Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm
Authors: Antonio P. Mallarino (Iowa State University) , Ken T. Pecinovsky (Iowa State University) , Louis Thompson (Iowa State University)
Many field trials in Iowa have assessed the corn response to different pre-plant potassium (K). The placement methods for the primary K application have used granulated potash fertilizer broadcast 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). Research evaluated liquid K starter fertilizers applied to the seed furrow or with the 2 in. by 2 in. method. No Iowa State University (ISU) study has evaluated the value of post-planting sidedress K application. Nitrogen sidedressing for corn is a common practice in the north-central region, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated by Iowa research. Since grain prices have dropped significantly and soil-testing for K involves a great deal of uncertainty, growers are asking if K sidedress could be of value to increase yield and perhaps reduce the overall K application rate. Therefore, the objectives were to evaluate how sidedressed liquid K fertilizer affects corn yield and K tissue concentrations when different rates of K fertilizer were applied preplant.
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How to Cite: Mallarino, A. P. , Pecinovsky, K. T. & Thompson, L. (2019) “Corn Response to Sidedressed Liquid Potassium Fertilizer in Northeast Iowa”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2018(1). doi: https://doi.org//farmreports.9499