OVERVIEW
- H Fall applications of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers may be preferred in certain cropping systems to evenly distribute seasonal workload, but spring applications are also a common practice in the Midwest.
- MOP is commonly used as a potassium (K) source in soybean production.
- Research has shown that P and K fertilizers containing micronutrients in a single granule provide improved nutrient distribution and increased crop nutrient uptake compared to conventional fertilizer blends.
- Aspire® is the first-of-its-kind micronutrient-enhanced potash fertilizer. Manufactured using Nutriform® technology, Aspire premium potash combines K and boron (B) in each granule to help achieve balanced crop nutrition.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® uses Fusion® technology to fuse four nutrients into one nutritionally balanced granule. This provides uniform nutrient distribution, increased nutrient uptake and season-long sulfur for maximum yield.
TRIAL DETAILS
Locations and Crop Management:
Crop: Corn (Zea mays)
Years: 2014–2016
Data Source: Field studies conducted by third-party, independent researchers.
Locations: 19 trials across the U.S. and Canada United States – IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD Canada – ON
Experimental Design: Small-plot RCBD with 4 replications.
Cropping Conditions:
N Rate: Fall treatments received partial nitrogen (N) in the fall to balance for phosphate applications, with the remaining N applied in the spring. (Total N rates were based on local recommendation.)
K Source: Aspire®
K Rate: 60 lbs K2O/ac
P Source: MAP, MicroEssentials® SZ®
P Rate: 80 lbs P₂O₅/ac
Application Timing: Fall or spring preplant
Application Method: Broadcast incorporated
Results
SUMMARY
- MicroEssentials® SZ® + Aspire® had the highest yield in both fall and spring applications.
- MAP + Aspire® yields were 6 bu/ac higher than MAP alone for both the fall and spring applications.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® + Aspire® yields were 12 bu/ac (6.2%) higher than MAP alone with the fall application.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® + Aspire® yields were 10.4 bu/ac (5.3%) higher than MAP alone with the spring application.
- Regardless of fall or spring application, a combined application of Aspire® with MicroEssentials® SZ® is a superior technology for balanced crop nutrition and increased yield.
