Three-Year Agronomic Research Study Shows Promise For Fertilizer Efficiency Products

With more than 40 years of agronomic research under his belt, Ron Mulford has spent the last three years monitoring the effects of fertilizer efficiency products on corn, soybeans and wheat. Under Mulford’s management, the 2010 harvest will conclude a three-year study at the University of Maryland's Poplar Hill Research Facility, evaluating SFP’s AVAIL® Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer and NutriSphere-N® Nitrogen Fertilizer Manager.

What are we studying?
At the +200-acre farm near Quantico, Md., Mulford has applied AVAIL and NutriSphere-N with starter and topdress fertilizer. Specifically with UAN on no-tillage corn, he is on year-three of comparing NutriSphere-N to alternative products.

So far, what have we learned?
Mulford enforces a three-year rule before considering data conclusive, but in the first two years of studies he confirms the results have been positive for both AVAIL and NutriSphere-N.

"To date, data shows these products [AVAIL and NutriSphere-N] are most valuable under stressful conditions or during years of less-than-favorable weather," Mulford says.

Corn and starter phosphorus fertilizer
In 2007, Mulford conducted a corn study in which AVAIL was added to 10-34-0 starter mix in a 2X2 placement. The no-tillage and minimum-tillage corn plots treated with AVAIL increased yield by more than eight bushels per acre, compared to plots treated only with the starter mix.

No-tillage corn and UAN
On no-tillage corn plots comparing NutriSphere-N to alternative products, Mulford shared NutriSphere-N showed the best results in 2008. After 2010 harvest data is collected, he will consider the results conclusive.

AVAIL unveils early corn maturity
Mulford observed an unpredicted benefit when researching AVAIL-treated corn.

"During the early growth, two-three leaf stage, the corn plants experienced 30-degree temperatures for three consecutive nights with 60-degree daytime temperatures," says Mulford. "Plots without AVAIL turned purple, while the AVAIL-treated plots appeared to be normal."

He would like to repeat the one-year study to verify findings.

"One has to evaluate new products coming on the market for a three-year minimum before results can be found conclusive," Mulford adds.

Well-balanced crop management
According to Mulford, there is no substitute for a comprehensive crop management system, including soil tests, a well-balanced soil nutrient program, healthy rotation and strategic marketing, to ensure the best opportunity for maximum economic yields.

No-tillage wheat planting and cover crops
As a no-tillage advocate, Mulford warns that wheat planted into heavy residue corn fodder may reduce stands, and creates an above-average opportunity for severe head scab. Instead, he suggests planting wheat into well-chopped cornstalks that have been dry for seven to 10 days.

Regarding no-tillage cover crops, Mulford finds best results from planting cover crops post-harvest. In general, he says cereal-cover crops loosen soil and provide better soil for planting.

Wheat and fall fertilization
Mulford suggests fall application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on winter wheat, especially when there is concern of inadequate soil nutrient reserves.

"Fall application may help you meet yield goals by getting young plants off to a healthy start," says Mulford. “Wheat should have two to three healthy tillers before going into winter dormancy."

Soil testing
Annual soil testing should be conducted until all major and minor soil nutrients are at optimal levels, specific to soil type. Once adequate nutrient levels are established, Mulford advises testing soil every two to three years.

About F. Ronald Mulford
After more than 40 years devoted to agriculture research and agronomic education, F. Ronald Mulford now spends his time at the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Lower Eastern Shore Research and Education Center in Salisbury, Md. For the entirety of Mulford’s career, he managed the University of Maryland Research and Education Center's +200-acre Poplar Hill Facility. Since retiring in November 2009, Mulford serves as a volunteer researcher and conducts agronomy studies at the Poplar Hill Facility.