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Fertilizer materials listed with pertinent points of application
Broadcast Applications
1. Liming materials or other pH correcting materials to achieve desired soil pH with proper balance of calcium and magnesium, such as dolomite limestone, calcite limestone, calcium sulfate, ferric sulfate, ferrous sulphate, flowers of sulfur, etc. apply prior to cropping and with thorough incorporation.
2. Rock Phosphate - this material can be spread any time, even on a growing crop; use on distinctly acid soils only.
3. a - Potash (muriate of potash, sulfate of potash, sulfate of potash magnesia, and in some cases, potassium nitrate) preferably well before planting to allow for diffusion and avoid salt stress, especially so with heavy application rates.
b - Phosphates (super phosphate, triple super phosphate, phosphate in mixed fertilizers, ammonium phosphates) broadcast preferably prior to planting, or banding at planting time.
c - Nitrogen Compounds, Dry or Liquid Forms (1) In fall materials containing ammonium or urea forms of nitrogen; ammonium sulfate, urea, etc. Ammonium nitrate fall application can be used effectively where winters are cool and rainfall is not more than about 14". (2) In spring: Same as in fall plus nitrate forms. Type of material and timing of applications should be planned to coincide with time and amount of maximum release desired. Split applications quite often give maximum return for dollars spent.
4. Minor elements when needed to correct known sold deficiencies when added as liquid or dry material, or as foliar spray.
Row or Band Applications
Since row or band applications are almost always made at time of seeding, or early in the growing season, the primary purpose of row fertilization (that of supplying readily available plant food for stimulation of entire plant) should be kept in mind. Large applications (especially those causing high salt concentrations) may be detrimental to early plant growth. Dry fertilizer banded at seeding time should be placed 1 1/2 - 2 inches to the side and 1 2 - 2 inches below the seed. In some cases placing the fertilizer 1 to 2 inches directly below the seed has given the crop a earlier and better response.
Top, Side Dressing, or Split Applications
The lower the soil's exchange capacity (holding power), the greater the need for these practices; although plants may run short of nutrients during the growing season on any soil type due to many factors. Soils with very low exchange capacity, low moisture capacity, and generally low retention capacity may require repeated small applications during the growing season.
1. Any material as needed during crop growth.
2. Additional nitrogen.
3. Trace element sprays.
4. Injector solutions.
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