IMPORTANCE OF STARTER PHOSPHORUS FOR GRAIN YIELD IN SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT
Applied Research
Edwin Lentz
Extension Educator and Professor
The Ohio State University Extension
Findlay
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are often applied as starter for winter wheat. In recent years, P fertilizer has greatly increased in price where producers have considered only applying starter N. The objectives of this study were to determine the importance of P as a starter fertilizer and to measure the effects that P starters may have on grain yields. In Fall 2008, medium-maturity variety ‘Hopewell’ was established into soybean stubble on the OARDC Northwest and Western Research Station near Custar and South Charleston, Ohio, respectively. Treatments included urea-ammonium nitrate alone at 25 lb acre-1 N and six P products (25 lb acre-1 N and 65 lb acre-1 P rates) as DAP, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), DAP plus sulphur (S), MAP-S; and proprietary P, P-S, and P plus zinc (Zn) products. Supplemental S was at the 10 lb acre-1 rate. Experimental design was a completely randomized block replicated four times. Analysis was a simple ANOVA. Grain yields were similar among all P products at both locations. However at the South Charleston location, the starter N product alone was significantly lower in yield (15 - 20%) than the P products. Soil test P levels were at maintenance level at the Custar site, but slightly below the critical soil test level at South Charleston. Starter P appears to be important for grain yield on soils at or below the critical soil test level. Regardless of soil test P, selection of P source or additional S or Zn should not affect yield.
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Authors: E.M. Lentz
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Lentz, E. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 44883