Whether or not you need micronutrients in your starter should come down to last years soil or tissue tests. Over the last two years, our research projects have not revealed a deficiency in many micronutrients, but we still understand it is out there. In 2018, we conducted a study at the Carvel Research and Education Center (Georgetown, DE) with two rates of (Mn), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) in the starter. We observed no effect on yield, which was expected as these soils were adequate in Mn and Zn based on UD recommendations. Although starter B had no effect on yield, B did have a positive correlation with yield in the starter study. This implies that with increase tissue B concentrations, yield also increased. Correlations imply relationships, but not necessarily why this occurred. An environmental variable may have influenced both B uptake and yield in this case, such as saturated soils leaching B while reducing yield. Continue reading

Amy Shober, Extension Nutrient Management Specialist, ashober@udel.edu

Jarrod Miller, Extension Agronomist, jarrod@udel.edu

University of Delaware nitrogen (N) recommendations are based on a realistic yield goal with a base rate of 1 lb N per bushel of expected yield. Increased N use efficiency has been observed when 15 to 25% of the total N is applied as starter fertilizer and the remainder of the N is applied corn plants are 12 to 15 inches tall (around V5 to V6). This is especially important for corn planted in Delaware’s sandy, low organic matter soils, as these soils are susceptible to N leaching. Ultimately, split applying N to corn will help you get more N in your crop over the growing season. Continue reading