Education

Increase corn yield 11.8 bu/A
A series of thirteen replicated trials in six states conducted between 2017 and 2020 with application rates of 200 to 300 lbs/A showed an average corn yield increase of 11.8 bu/A vs. the untreated control. The thirteen trials were all spring broadcast applications. Similar yield impact would be expected for fall applications.

Maintenance rates of 200-300 lbs/A are lower than application rates intended to correct soil pH. The term ‘maintenance’ refers to the proactive nature of these applications; they are intended to neutralize acidification from ammoniated nitrogen fertilizers.

Manage pH in the germination zone
It is likely this yield increase is related to the effect of neutralizing active acidity, positively affecting nutrient availability on a microscale that isn’t reflected on a typical 0-6” or 0-8” soil sample analysis. Most acidification and nutrient uptake occur in the top 3-4 inches of the soil, where the maintenance rates are intended to be placed. Several published studies support the idea of proactively maintaining pH in the uptake and germination zone to promote a yield maximizing environment.

• Depth matters: Soil pH and dilution effects in the northern Great Plains.
• Long term soil pH change in rainfed cropping systems: is acidification systemic?
• Growing Problem of Surface Soil Acidity in Long-term No-till