12/9/2022

Can Potassium Fertilizer Rates Be Reduced in Strip-Till?

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Written by Lauren E. Schwarck and Dr. Tony J. Vyn, Agronomy Department, Purdue University

Key Findings

  • A field-scale experiment was conducted to evaluate potassium (K) uptake and corn yield with banded application in a strip-till system.
  • Tissue samples taken at the V6 stage showed differences in K concentration between full- and half-rates of K, but not until the second year of corn in the rotation.
  • Results suggest the possibility of longer-term negative consequences if a reduced rate is maintained over several years.


Research was supported in part by the Pioneer Crop Management Research Awards (CMRA) Program. This program provides funds for agronomic and precision farming studies by university and USDA cooperators throughout North America. The awards extend for up to four years and address crop management information needs of Pioneer agronomists, sales professionals, and customers.


The foregoing is provided for informational use only. Please contact your Pioneer sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. 2016-2019 data are based on average of all comparisons made in 5 locations through Dec 1, 2019. Multi-year and multi-location is a better predictor of future performance. Do not use these or any other data from a limited number of trials as a significant factor in product selection. Product responses are variable and subject to a variety of environmental, disease, and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.