Gary Edwards Anamosa, Iowa | Where did you come up with that figure? Iowa State University studies show no yield advantage to banding P. My own personal use showed that I still had to spread P every few years to maintain soil test levels. The crop requires a given amount of P to produce a yield. If you use 1/3 less than required the crop will get the remainder from the surrounding area. If my soil tests are above optimum I don't have to spread any P however my available soil P will decline. If I use 2/3 required amount in a band or spread the resulting loss in soil P will be the same. If your soil tests low in available P then the band will give you more bang for the buck, however your available soil P will still decline if you are using less than removal. |