Impact of Starter Fertilizer in Soybean Production in Oklahoma.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is an important oilseed worldwide due to its high protein and oil content. As the acreage of soybeans in Oklahoma increases, so does the need for improved fertilizer management in no-till soybean systems. The use of starter fertilizers provides readily available nutrients where undeveloped root system of the seedling can easily access. This study evaluated the effects of different starter fertilizer sources on soybean production in Oklahoma. Commonly used, commercially new, and experimental starter fertilizers were applied to soybean at planting either through in-furrow or broadcast application at Lake Carl Blackwell and Perkins in 2015. No differences in stand counts, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings, and canopy measurements were observed among treatments. Moreover, yield, as well as, oil and protein content in the seed were not affected by placement and rate of starter fertilizer used. These results indicate that application of starter fertilizers may not be the best management practice for no-till soybean production in Oklahoma.