Starter Fertilizer Placement: Common Questions, Quick Answers

Applying starter fertilizer while you’re planting corn can lead to several important advantages:  

Earlier germination: With appropriate amounts of starter fertilizer applied at planting, seedlings have what they need earlier in the season. This galvanizes germination and empowers faster plant emergence.  

Faster root uptake: Starter fertilizer is applied closer to the seeds themselves. Because of this proximity, uptake is more efficient and nutrients are more accessible to the young plants. 

Better early-season growth: With faster germination and early vigor, the time it takes to see full stands in your field can be reduced thanks to starter fertilizer. 

Improved yields: An early-season advantage helps you and your acres hit the ground running. Independent field trials using Totally Tubular’s in-furrow starter fertilizer tube led to about 5-6 more bushels/acre of yield. 

In-furrow starter fertilizer placement is also known as “pop-up” application. This means that starter fertilizer is applied directly within the seed furrow during planting. 

Meanwhile, 2x2 fertilizer placement is also common. This means applying starter fertilizer about two inches to the side and two inches below the seed. 

The in-furrow method can lead to more direct nutrient access for seedlings, which can lead to  strong early-season root uptake and faster germination.

Totally Tubular’s in-furrow fertilizer tube enables you to apply liquid fertilizer deeper into the soil profile.

Yes. Any nutrient can be over- or under-applied. Farming is all about the balance of understanding exactly what your plants need and when. Work with your trusted agronomist partner to establish the best starter fertilizer placement and application rates based on your soil type, crop, region, weather forecasts, and yield goals.

The best time to apply starter fertilizer is at planting, when the seedling can get maximum benefits and faster nutrient access. 

As always, it’s important to work with your local agronomist to establish the best timeline for your starter fertilizer placement. 

If you’re curious about whether in-furrow application tools can make starter fertilizer placement on your acres more effective, reach out to our team. We’re happy to answer any questions about our custom parts and how they might fit into your operation.