OVERVIEW
- MAP is commonly used as a phosphorus (P) source in corn-growing regions of North America.
- Fall applications of MAP may be preferred in certain cropping systems to evenly distribute seasonal workload, but spring applications are also a common practice in the Midwest.
- Recent environmental concerns have highlighted the need to better understand the yield performance of dry granular fertilizer applications in banded situations.
- Banded fertilizer applications have been shown to increase fertilizer efficiency and yields while reducing environmental P losses.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® contains four nutrients fused into one nutritionally balanced granule to promote uniform nutrient distribution, improved nutrient uptake and increased yield.
TRIAL DETAILS
Locations and Crop Management:
Crop: Corn (Zea mays)
Year: 2015–2016
Locations: LOCATIONS: 9 trials across the United States – IL, IN, MN, NE
Data Source: Field studies conducted by third-party, independent researchers.
Experimental Design: Small-plot RCBD with 4 replications.
Cropping Conditions:
N Rate: Fall treatments received partial nitrogen (N) in the fall to balance for phosphate applications, with the remaining N applied in the spring. (Total N rates were based on local recommendation.)
P Sources: MAP, MicroEssentials® SZ®
P Rate: 80 lbs P₂O₅/ac
K Rate: As required by soil test
Application Timing: Fall or spring preplant
Application Method: Banded 4″-6″
RESULTS
SUMMARY
- MicroEssentials® SZ® had the highest yield in both fall and spring applications.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® yields were 5.8 bu/ac (2.6%) higher than MAP with the fall application.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® yields were 6.7 bu/ac (2.9%) higher than MAP with the spring application.
- Regardless of fall or spring application, a banded application of MicroEssentials® SZ® is a superior technology for improving nutrient use efficiency.
