Northern Research and Demonstration Farm
Authors: Antonio Mallarino (Iowa State University) , Louis Thompson (Iowa State University) , Matthew Schnabel (Iowa State University)
Extensive Iowa research has investigated the corn yield response to different pre-plant potassium (K) placement methods or to starter K. The placement methods for the primary K application used granulated potash fertilizer broadcasted and deep-banded in the fall or early spring or banded with planters equipped with attachments for application 2 in. beside and below the seeds (2 in. by 2 in. method). Starter research has evaluated granulated liquid K fertilizers applied to the seed furrow or with the 2 in. by 2 in. method. Post-planting sidedress application of nitrogen for corn is a common practice in the north-central region, and its effectiveness under some conditions has been demonstrated by Iowa research. However, no Iowa State University (ISU) study has evaluated the value of sidedress K application. Because of lower grain prices and more uncertain soil-testing results for K compared with phosphorus or pH, growers are asking if K sidedress could be of value to increase yield and perhaps reduce the overall K application rate. Therefore, the objectives of a study conducted at this research and demonstration farm was to evaluate how sidedressed liquid K fertilizer affects corn yield and K tissue concentrations when different rates of granulated fertilizer are applied before planting corn.
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How to Cite: Mallarino, A. , Thompson, L. & Schnabel, M. (2019) “Effect of Sidedressed Liquid Potassium Fertilizer for Corn in Northern Iowa”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2018(1).