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Liquid Starter for Maximum Corn Yields |
Starter & Foliar Liquid Fertilizer |
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Starters Pay...
Even on Soils High in Fertility
Even though a field may test high in N-P-K, research has shown that liquid starter
fertilizer gives young corn seedlings a faster and healthier start. When planting
early, important nutrients may not be available because of cold soils, compaction,
improper pH, or broadcast fertilizer that is positionally unavailable. South Dakota data shows liquid starter pays, even when soils test high in phosphorus. |
What is Liquid Starter Fertilizer?
Liquid starter is a blend of fertilizer nutrients applied with the planter
at planting time.  Starter is injected in a concentrated band 2 inches below and 2 inches to
the side of the seed, or by using a starter with a low-salt index, it can be placed
in-furrow. Dribbling liquid starter in the furrow requires the least amount of expense for
application equipment.
Premixed liquid starters
provide a balanced formulation of N-P-K plus sulfur and zinc. Or, a starter can be
custom-blended to meet soil test recommendations.
The advantage of injecting
liquid starter in a concentrated band is that nutrients are not attached to as many
soil particles compared with broadcast applications. Thus, roots can grow into the band
and more readily absorb nutrients.  The use of liquid starter is
increasing because of the dramatic increase in the number of reduced-tillage acres.
Growers are discovering that the most efficient way to fertilize reduced-tillage corn is
by placing liquid starter under residue and near the seed.
Volumes of university
research have shown that using liquid starter can advance maturity by 5 to 10 days,
produce more vigorous root systems, produce drier corn at harvest and increase
yields...even on soils already high in fertility. |
Liquid Starter Maximizes Corn Yields
and Saves You Money |
Starts Corn in Cold Soils
Planting early means placing seeds in cold, wet soils...conditions
that tend to tie up existing nutrients. Applying a liquid starter provides an immediate
supply of N-P-K. These essential nutrients help prevent slow growth and stunting caused by
harsh weather and poor soil conditions.
Reduces Nutrient
Stratification
Broadcasting fertilizer on the surface causes nutrients to
accumulate near the soil surface. Banding a liquid starter at planting time puts nutrients
under the soil surface in a concentrated band, promoting deeper and healthier root
systems.
Reduces Weed Pressure
Liquid starter in a subsurface band fertilizes the crop...not the
weeds. Starter promotes even emergence and faster, early growth to rapidly form a canopy
that shades weeds and slows their growth.
Produces Drier Corn
Liquid starter gets corn off to a faster start and moves it through
the vegetative stage sooner. This in turn speeds up other stages of growth...corn matures
faster and is drier at harvest. University research indicates that corn fertilized with a
liquid starter can be from one to two points drier! 
Increases Yields
Using a liquid starter is the most efficient way to fertilize
crops. N-P-K applied in a concentrated band at planting time is more available to plants
than when fertilizer is broadcast. In a University of Nebraska test, applying liquid
starter on corn generated 24 bushels more per acre than broadcast!
Increases Fertilizer
Efficiency
Applying a liquid starter at planting time is the most efficient
way to fertilize high-yield corn. Fertilizer tie-up is reduced, nutrients are more
positionally available, and denitrification (loss of nitrogen) is minimized. In short...a
little liquid starter does a lot! |
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There's a Nutra-Flo Liquid Starter
for Any Soil Condition
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Use Liquid Starter to Fertilize Reduced Tillage |
Overcomes Cool Temperatures
The insulation effect of surface residue lowers soil temperatures
which reduces phosphorus and potassium uptake and slows mineralization of organic
nitrogen. Applying a liquid starter provides young roots with an immediate source of
N-P-K.
Reduces Residue Tie-up
Excessive surface residue immobilizes nitrogen and phosphorus. When
placing a liquid starter under residue, nutrients are in position to be easily intercepted
by roots...not lost on the surface to decaying residue.
Reduces Stratification of Nutrients
Because tillage is reduced or eliminated in low-tillage fields,
stratification of nutrients will occur. Banding a liquid starter provides plants with a
concentrated band of nutrients under the soil surface. |
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Did you know...
it takes only 30 seconds per acre
to fill starter tanks...
you get more corn per acre
for only 30 seconds of work! |
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