Cotton response to placement and rate of starter fertilizer

Application of starter fertilizer at-planting is a convenient method of applying phosphorus (P) and pre-plant nitrogen (N) to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). In addition, the placement of starter fertilizer in-furrow requires no extra tanks or pumps, and can be tank mixed with at-planting insecticides, fungicides, or plant growth regulators. Over a few-year period, tests were initiated to determine the effect of 10-34-0 starter fertilizer applied in-furrow and in a 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed placement (5 cm x 5 cm). Lint yields were measured all four years. Stand counts, Chambers' skip index, and plant heights were measured the final year. Placement of starter fertilizer in-furrow was shown to decrease yields compared to a 5 cm x 5 cm placement and a check two out of four years. Plant stands, skip indexes and plant heights were adversely affected by an in-furrow placement as well. A 5 cm x 5 cm placement did not significantly differ in terms of yield in any year from the check. Plant stands and skip indexes were not affected, but plant height was increased over the check with one rate of starter placed 5 cm x 5 cm. Our results suggest that in-furrow placement of starter fertilizer has the potential to negatively affect seedling growth and decrease yields. A 5 cm x 5 cm placement of starter fertilizer, while it may not increase yields, does not incur these risks and is a safe, convenient and inexpensive method of applying P or pre-plant N.