Liquid P and/or K on corn and beans

Reid1650 · Apr 29, 2013

Ive been consumed this semester trying to graduate college and coupled with that we have had a very wet spring. Would I benefit any from a light application of liquid P and/or K on the corn and beans when they are say 3-6 inches tall? I am broadcasting all my fert needs except the N (it is split applied). Just want to know if anybody has tried this to give the plant a little boost in root establishment and just a better chance in producing good yield. Thank you

fixerupper · Apr 29, 2013

Yes, sidedressing corn is always good, especially on a wet year where the preplant N is carried too far down by the excess rain. Wait till the corn is maybe 12"-18" tall and then run through it with the sidedressing rig. You can sidedress taller corn but you might prune roots. Some guys dribble the N down the middle of the row but then you are reliant on a rain in the next couple of days to take it into the ground. I apply half of the liquid N or 32% preplant and then sidedress the rest.

Soybeans don't need N. There have been some experiments with applying N to beans but the response isn't much if any and timing is critical. Jim

Reid1650 · Apr 29, 2013

Thanks for the response on the N, I apply half my N needs with Ammonium Nitrate and then dribble in the row side dressing. I was more curious whether the liquid P or K would help any or have any positive affect?

Anonymous-0 · Apr 29, 2013

corn responds to fertilizer, soybeans respond to fertility, not the same thing but the former leads to the latter

Reid1650 · Apr 29, 2013

Dboll picked this farm up 3 yrs ago, the yr makes 3. I have been working on building the soil and organic matter. I have applied according to the soil tests every year. Thanks for the response.

paul · Apr 29, 2013

It would be better to apply in furrow (the low salt types) on corn, and to band it 2 inches from the row on beans (never in furrow on beans....).

Sprayed on the crop at 6 inches, most of it will land on dirt, and turn into expensive regular soil fertilizer - not wasted, but not really helping either.

Just my opinion, many different ideas and thoughts on fertility so....

Paul

David G · Apr 30, 2013

We put it on last year, then ran field cultivator over to incorporate.

BTW, they are out of anhydrous here in Eastern Iowa.

NY 986 · Apr 30, 2013

I would say that I have seen a difference where 10 pounds of actual N is placed in a band at planting for beans when using a row crop planter. Allows them to hit the ground running so to speak till the nodules do their thing.
You're right in general when you say beans respond best to fertility but a response can be had to foliar feeding.

Liquid P and/or K on corn and beans

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