Jeff McCutcheon, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
Keith Dennis, Perry County Producer
Phil Rzewnicki, On-Farm Research Coordinator
To compare the effects of three different fertilizer programs on corn yields.
| Nearest Town: | Rushville | Soil Test: | pH 6.5 |
| Major Soil Type: | Centerberg & Luray | P 23 ppm | |
| Drainage: | Improved | K 114 ppm | |
| Tillage: | Minimum Till | Variety: | Consultants 1170 |
| Previous Crop: | Soybeans | Planting Rate: | 27,000/acre |
| Herbicide: | 2.4 qt/acre Bicep | Planting Date: | April 25, 1998 |
| Insecticide: | 4.4 lb/acre Force | ||
A study was designed to compare corn yields under three different phosphorus and potassium fertilizer programs. Plots were field length (>750 ft.) and 54 ft. wide, replicated six times, and completely randomized. Anhydrous ammonia was applied at a rate of 190 lb./acre actual nitrogen in all plots. One fertilizer program was 18-46-60 actual applied per acre by broadcasting. The second fertilizer program was 18-46-60 actual per acre applied with the anhydrous and placed about eight inches deep in the soil. The third program was a half rate or 9-23-30 actual per acre applied with the anhydrous and placed at the same depth as the second. All fertilizer applications were made on the same date, April 11, 1998.
| Treatment | Harvest Population (plants/acre) | Yield1 (bushels/acre) | Treatment Costs2 ($/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Full Rate | 15,996 | 156.1 | 18.87 |
| Full Rate Deep Placement | 14,893 | 158.8 | 20.69 |
| Half Rate Deep Placement | 15,728 | 155.9 | 11.44 |
| NS3 | NS4 | ||
| 1 @15% moisture. 2 Includes actual fertilizer cost, plus estimated machinery and fuel cost based on Ohio Farm Machinery Economic Cost Estimates for 1998. 3 F = 1.37 No significant differences among population means at P = 0.05, CV = 7.8% 4 F = 0.43 No significant differences among yields at P = 0.05, CV= 3.8% | |||
Due to heavy rains after planting and the soil crusting it created, stand emergence was poor and variable. We plan to repeat this experiment next year with the hope of obtaining normal stands.
For additional information, contact:
Jeff McCutcheon
Ohio State University Extension, Perry County
104 S. Columbus St., PO Box 279
Somerset, OH 43783
740-743-1602
mccutcheon.30@osu.edu
This project was funded in part by a grant from the Innovative Farmers of Ohio.