Starter fertilizer is typically considered to be the placement of a small rate of fertilizer, usually nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), near the seed at planting time. Some strip-tillers might also consider using this opportunity to apply higher rates of fertilizer that can supply most of the N and P needs for the corn crop.
Corn root damage caused by starter fertilizer is often attributed to the salt content present in fertilizers and the fertilizer salt index is often used to promote and sell safer in-furrow options.
Producers should be very cautious about applying starter fertilizer that includes high rates of N (and/or K). It is best to have some soil separation between the starter fertilizer and the seed, according to Kansas State soil fertility and nutrient management specialist Dolivar Ruiz Diaz.
With a cold spring and high fertilizer prices, starter fertilization can a useful and cost-effective complement to primary preplant fertilization for corn.
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