Better Starts for Better Markets

by Jordan Johnson, Agronomy Coordinator

Don’t Miss the opportunity this spring to place your fertilizer dollars in reach of your corn roots!  In today’s high corn and fertilizer environment efficient use and placement of the right nutrients is more critical than ever before. According to Penn State, “Starter fertilizer is a small quantity of fertilizer nutrients applied in close proximity to the seed at planting. Starter fertilizers enhance the development of emerging seedlings by supplying essential nutrients. Readily available nutrients near young plants help ensure rapid early growth and the formation of large leaves, which are necessary for photosynthesis, subsequent growth processes, and earlier crop maturity.”

QLF Agronomy wrapped up the 2nd year of a 2-location study with SGS Research North America.  The independent replicated research occurred at their Murdock, Mn and Wyoming, IL locations. This study included a foliar treatment of L-CBF along with 4.75 gallons of L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP with and without the inclusion of a quality micronutrient blend called QLF CornSpike. The starter only treatments showed a +12 bushel per acre advantage over the control.  The inclusion of +1 quart of CornSpike with the starter resulted in a +21 bushel per acre advantage.  QLF CornSpike is a highly compatible dual chelation blend of essential micronutrients including Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iron and Boron.

At the Precision Technology Institute in Pontiac, IL, director Jason Webster and his team applied L-CBF BOOST through a dual planter band placement with their ConcealTM technology. PTI Farm reduced 5 gallons of 32% UAN with the inclusion of +2.5 gallons per acre of L-CBF Boost. Conceal is a planter fertility attachment that is cleanly tucked into a split gage wheel and places nutrition in the soil 3 inches away from the seed and “seals” the liquid band in the soil. This application of BOOST along with a side-dress application resulted in +9.7 more bushels after a 10% (15 lbs. less) nitrogen reduction in the dual Conceal® band placement.

Planter applied nutrition is an essential component to higher yield and the most efficient use of your fertilizer dollar. Don’t be left behind on higher yields this growing season!  Rather than just planting seed with your planter, placing complete nutrition package of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Micronutrients, and Carbon, could pay huge dividends in these higher priced commodity markets.

Consider taking a smarter Carbon-Based approach to starting your crop and utilizing planter band applications.  With a proven track record for repeated return on your fertilizer $ investments.  Use LCBF 7-21-3 MKP +CornSpike for In Furrow, and an inclusion of BOOST with other liquid blends off the row.  To Learn More on how QLF Agronomy can help your operation grow high yielding profitable corn, contact your local QLF representative or the corporate office at 1-800-236-2345

Source: Quality Liquid Feed News Release