Gage County
1115 West Scott St.
Beatrice NE 68310
Phone: (402) 223-1384
FAX: (402) 223-1370

News Column

Paul C Hay, Extension Educator

Starter Fertilizer for No-Till Milo Production

University of Nebraska Soil Specialist has been conducting research on starter fertilizer use in grain sorghum. Starter fertilizer is applied in addition to other required fertilizer for optimal crop growth and should not be confused with band application of a phosphorus (P) fertilizer on a low P soil. Past research in Nebraska on medium and fine textured soils did not find the use of starter fertilizer to be economical, but that research was conducted primarily under tilled conditions.

Results of some studies in other States show a higher probability of milo response to nitrogen(N), P, and sulfur(S) in starter fertilizer under no-till as compared to tilled conditions. Some studies, but not all, find method of placement of starter fertilizer to be important. Soil type and topographic position may be important to response.

Twelve trials were conducted in eastern Nebraska in 2002 and 2003 to determine milo response to starter fertilizer under no-till conditions. The trial sites were all on farmers' fields and selected to represent diverse soils and topographic positions. Planting was when the farmers planted, usually in late May.

Eight starter fertilizer treatments were compared: no starter applied, 20 lb N + 20 lb P applied 2" to the side of the row and 2" deep (2x2), 20 lb N + 20 lb P applied over the row, 10 lb N + 10 lb P applied in the furrow, 20 lb N + 20 lb P + 10 lb S applied 2x2, 20 lb N + 20 lb P + 10 lb S applied over the row, 10 lb N + 10 lb P + 5 lb S applied in the furrow, 10 lb N + 10 lb P + 5 lb S in-furrow application with S supplied from ammonium thiosulfate rather than ammonium sulfate which was the S source in the other treatments.

Results. Soil pH ranged from 5.3 to 6.1. Soil organic matter ranged from 2.7 to 3.4%. Phosphorus tests ranged from very low to very high and was higher in the 0 to 2" depth (median =15 ppm) than in the 2 to 8" depth (median = 5.5 ppm). The potassium level was high at all sites.

Milo grain yield was increased with starter fertilizer in only one of the 12 trials. The average yield without starter fertilizer was 91 bu/A and the average yield with the most effective starter fertilizer treatment (10 lb N + 10 lb P applied in the furrow) was 93 bu/A.

Including sulfur in the starter did not result in increased yield.

Starter fertilizer resulted in earlier maturity and less grain moisture at harvest in one trial, but generally the use of starter fertilizer did not affect grain moisture. Based on the results of these 12 trials, we can not recommend starter fertilizer for no-till milo as a profitable practice at the typical planting dates. Response to starter fertilizer may be greater with early May planting dates when the soil is cooler. Starter is also and alternative way to place phosphorous fertilizer in a very efficient manner.

Three trials are underway in 2004 with an early May planting date at adequate P sites to test the effect of in-furrow application of 10-34-0 as well as the effects of row-cleaning.

View other Gage County News Columns & News Letters: http://gage.unl.edu/news/news.htm

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