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C.O.R.N Newsletter 2004-21
     July 6, 2004 - July 12, 2004


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Pop-up Fertilizers
by Robert Mullen

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As planters get larger and the use of conventional starter attachments decrease, the use of pop-up liquid fertilizers has gained popularity.

The concept of pop-up fertilizer has been around for quite a while. Pop-up fertilizers are meant to provide adequate nutrients in close proximity of the developing roots to allow for better early season growth and potentially quicker emergence. Despite the fact that early season growth and nutrient uptake typically does increase with pop-up fertilizer, most research shows the advantages of pop-up is somewhat limited to soils with low P levels. Thus soils with high P do not benefit much from addition of pop-up fertilizers. Cool soil conditions at planting also increase the likelihood of response due to decreased early root development. Minimum tillage and no-till operations have the greatest opportunity to respond to pop-up fertilizer due to cool soil conditions.

Caution should be used, however, when utilizing pop-up fertilizers. Excess salts applied as N and K2O can inhibit germination and cause emergence problems. Dry soil conditions at planting increase the potential for poor emergence. As a general rule do not apply more than 5 pounds of N and K2O in the row on low CEC soils (5 meq/100g), and no more than 8 pounds of N and K2O on soils with higher CEC (8meq/100g).

So should you use pop-up fertilizer? Pop-up fertilizer may have some beneficial effects in minimum and no-till operations on soils that are low in P, but based upon the cost of pop-up fertilizer and the potential emergence problems, the benefits may not outweigh the risks. If pop-up is going to be used, take care when setting rates and assess soil moisture when planting.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by signing up at http://agcrops.osu.edu/services/email.html. E-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing or no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.


Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

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