Types of Fertilizers for Corn

Using the right fertilizers is critical to successfully growing corn. The amount of fertilizer needed depends on climate and soil texture. Corn needs fertilization through all of its growing stages.

Starter Fertilizer

Starter fertilizer contains elements that get corn seeds to germinate. This process involves placing corn fertilizer near the planted seed at 2 inches from the seed and 2 inches below the seed, according to Pennsylvania State University.

Continuous Fertilizers

Every corn bushel, which may be around 55 pounds with 40-55 ears of corn on it, needs continuous fertilization. Each bushel needs a certain amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in order to produce corn.

Nitrogen

A corn bushel weighing approximately 55 pounds needs 1.25 pounds of nitrogen per bushel according to North Dakota University. Nitrogen sources vary but the most common ones are anhydrous ammonia, liquid nitrogen solutions and urea, an organic compound.

Phosphate

The amount of phosphate needed should measure 0.6 pounds per bushel according to North Dakota State University. Phosphate is applied in the spring and fall.

Potash

Also according to North Dakota State University, apply 1.4 pounds of potash to produce one bushel of corn. Potash can also be applied as a row fertilizer and works best if tilled down into the soil.

References

• Penn State Starter Fertilizer Information
• North Dakota State University on Corn Fertlizers

Resources

• Corn: Fertilizer