Belt fertilizer application versus spreading

Spreading phosphorus application

This is the traditional method of spreading phosphorus evenly over the entire field.

It has its advantages:

• Simplicity and speed of application.
• Suitable for large areas.

But there are also disadvantages:

• Phosphorus may not reach the root system of plants.
• Fertilizer costs can be higher because some phosphorus is not used efficiently.

Belt application of phosphorus

This method involves applying phosphorus directly to the soil next to the seeds (5 cm to the side and below the seeds).

Advantages of this method:

• Phosphorus is closer to the roots of plants, which contributes to their better nutrition.
• Efficient use of fertilizers, which reduces costs.
• Increased yields, especially on fields with low phosphorus levels.

Performance comparison

The data collected over 2 years from the experimental plots showed that the banded starter application of phosphorus significantly increases corn yields compared to the spreading application at low soil phosphorus levels (<15 ppm Bray-1).

*The results of the research are shown in the table