Are band applications of P and K more efficient and profitable than broadcast?
Study author(s:) Jeffrey Vetsch, Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota
Years of study: 2019, 2020
Location(s): Waseca MN, Rochester MN
Important: for the complete report, including all tables and figures, please download using the links to the right.
Summary
Corn grain yields were 6 bu/ac greater with band application of K than with broadcast at Rochester. At Waseca yields were numerically greater (4 bu/ac) with band K than with broadcast, but not statistically significant (P>F = 0.318). Dramatic visual differences in corn growth, height and color (K deficiency symptoms) were observed at both Waseca and Rochester. Broadcast application of K resulted in smaller plants and more K deficiency symptoms than band application. At Waseca, band application of P also resulted in greater early growth than with broadcast application, but no yield differences were observed. This study will be continued in 2021 and several more band vs broadcast comparison treatments (plots) will be added.