RESPONSE OF EARLY CORN GROWTH TO FERTILIZER PHOSPHORUS RATES AND PLACEMENT METHODS

Previous research showed that applying fertilizer phosphorus (P) to the soil in concentrated subsurface bands increased P availability to crops compared to a surface application. Early growth responses of corn (Zea mays L.) plants were measured after 28 days of growth in pots in a greenhouse for single band, two single bands, injection, and surface fertilizer P placement methods. Fertilizer P was applied at the rates of 0, 12, and 24 mg P/kg soil for each method for three different soils. Shoot dry matter weight and nitrogen (N) and P uptake increased for all placement methods regardless of initial soil test P level. However, growth parameters were greater for the banded and injection methods. Response parameters were minimally influenced by the surface P application, but some fertilizer P from the surface application leached through small desiccation cracks after daily additions of water. This probably increased P availability slightly. Shoot dry matter production efficiency and shoot N/P ratio were higher for the surface P placement method and for the unfertilized P treatments. Overall growth responses to fertilizer P rates were less effective in soils with higher initial soil test P levels.