Abstract

Previous or ongoing research at this Iowa State University (ISU) research farm and many other Iowa fields has been investigating the corn and soybean yield response to preplant potassium (K) placement methods or to starter K. The placement methods for the primary K application used granulated potash fertilizer broadcasted or deep-banded in the fall or early spring and also banded with planters equipped with attachments for application 2 in. beside and below the seeds (2 in. by 2 in. method). Starter research has evaluated granulated liquid K fertilizers applied to the seed furrow or with the 2 in. by 2 in. method. Post-planting sidedress application of nitrogen for corn is a common practice in the southeast region, and its effectiveness under some conditions has been demonstrated by Iowa research. However, no ISU study has evaluated the value of sidedress K application. Because of lower grain prices and more uncertain soil-testing results for K compared with phosphorus or pH, growers are asking if K sidedress could be of value to increase yield and perhaps reduce the overall K application rate. Therefore, the objectives of a study at this research farm was to evaluate how sidedressed liquid K fertilizer affects corn yield and K tissue concentrations when different rates of granulated fertilizer are applied before planting corn.

How to Cite:

Schneider, C., Rees, M., Mallarino, A. & Thompson, L., (2019) “Effect of Sidedressed Liquid Potassium Fertilizer for Corn in Southeast Iowa”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2018(1).