Planted First Trial of 2011

Planted the first corn plots last Friday (3/18) of the year in NC Oklahoma under ideal conditions. The trial is designed to evaluate starter fertilizer rates and placement methods. Placement option included: in-furrow, 2x2, 2x4 and rate from 10 lb N/ac to 150 lb N/ac. We felt the need to collect some data in Oklahoma for the use of starter fertilizer. From others states, data often shows a response to starter being applied when planting summer crops early, especially corn into cool soils. Even though we have warmer temperatures in the southern US, our no-till soils still remain cool during early planting of corn and even grain sorghum. The trial is located near Covington, so we have been lucky to catch some timely rains.