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Title: WHAT ARE THE BEST P AND K PLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR CORN

Author
item Kovar, John

Submitted to: Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2002
Publication Date: 11/14/2002
Citation: KOVAR, J.L. WHAT ARE THE BEST P AND K PLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR CORN. SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA ANNUAL MEETING. 2002. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Placement of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers is an important management tool for efficient corn (Zea mays L.) production. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the effect of P and K fertilizer placement on both the soil supply of P and K and corn root growth. When P and K fertilizers are applied to part of the soil volume in the surface layer, such as with a band application, the fertilizer contacts less soil, less P and K are tied up or fixed by the soil, and relatively more of the nutrients remain in readily available form. Fertilizing a smaller volume of soil, however, results in fewer roots being fed. Phosphorus and K uptake by the plant will decrease, unless higher P and K availability in the fertilized soil volume increases uptake sufficiently to compensate for fewer roots coming into contact with fertilized soil. An increase in P availability, due to placement, tends to stimulate root growth in the fertilized volume of soil, whereas an increase in K availability does not have the same effect. Basic knowledge of these processes will ensure that P and K fertilizer applications are effective and profitable and that the environmental impact of nutrient use is minimized.