A field study continued at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, and supported by the ND Corn Utilization Council, to examine the performance of corn with starter P and Zn and foliar S and Zn. Experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The trial was established on conventionally tilled, Heimdal-Emrick loam soil with 3.4% organic matter, 8.0 (0-6 inches) and 8.4 (6-24 inches) pH, 0.71 mmho/cm (0-6 inches) and 0.75 mmho/cm (6-24 inches) soluble salts, 58 lb nitrate-N/acre, 4 ppm (low) P, 150 ppm K and 0.48 ppm (low) Zn. Soybean was the prior crop in 2020. PPI treatments were applied May 6 and incorporated with a field cultivator plus harrow. DeKalb ‘DKC32-12RIB’ (82-day relative maturity) Roundup Ready corn was planted at 31,000 seeds/A with a John Deere 71 4-row flex planter on May 10 in 30-inch rows, and included in-furrow (IF) and surface-dribbled fertilizer treatments. Significant rain was delayed until May 22 (0.86 inches; NDAWN) to provide incorporation of the surface-applied fertilizer. Foliar S and Zn were applied on June 19 at the V5-6 growth stages using a hand-boom sprayer. NDAWN monthly rain (inches): May=1.4; June=1.8; July=0.1; August=2.6; September=2.0; October=3.7; and 6-month total=11.6. Grain was harvested with a plot combine on November 2.
Time from corn planting to plant emergence and silking were similar among treatments (Table). Early season plant stand (measured at V5-6 growth stages) generally was reduced (11-16%) with IF 10-34-0 compared to the untreated check. Plant height was similar among treatments. Grain yield, test weight, harvest moisture and seed quality except starch were similar among treatments.
