g plant. Phosphorus movement
typically occurs from the source (fertilizer granule
of soil P) into the sugarbeet root by diffusion. Some
factors reducing diffusion rate of Phosphorus to the
root are dry soil conditions or cold temperatures. Some
factors increasing the diffusion rate of Phosphorus to
the root are warmer soil temperatures and/or an increase
in the P concentration. Banding applies a small amount
of Phosphorus compared to the full broadcast rate, but
the Phosphorus is concentrated in a smaller volume of
soil near the root of the crop. Effectively, this increases
the concentration of Phosphorus and thus the rate of
diffusion of Phosphorus to the root. This is why banding
Phosphorus fertilizer is effective in increasing plant
growth in years with cold soil conditions at planting.

Broadcast P Rate (lbs P205/A)
Root Yields with Different P Applications
Root Y
ield (tons/A)
0
15
30
45
60
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
3 gpa 10-34-0
Broadcast P
Fertility

|
Variety Selection
|


Stand Establishment
|
Weed Control
|
Disease and Insect Control
|
Harvest
10c 30m 100y 0k
Y O U R W A Y T O G R O W
$830
$840
$820
$810
$800
Yes
Banded Phosphorus
$850
$838.66
$829.62
No
$7.25
Revenue Per Acre by Banded Phosphorus
5 Year Summary (2000-2004)
Revenu
e
P
er Acr
e
Research conducted at NWROC by Dr. Al Sims
and Dr. Larry Smith in 1999-2003 3 gallons of 10-34-0/acre applied in-furrow
gave maximum root yields.
Additional broadcast Phosphorus was not needed 45 to 60 lbs/acre of 18-46-0 were required
to maximize yields Research conducted on both low and high
Phosphorus testing soils
American Crystal Sugar Company Grower
Practice Data
from years 2000 to 2004 indicates
the elds that utilized starter fertilizer had $9/acre
higher revenue per acre. In addition to the increased
revenue was the potential cost savings of $7.25/acre
from utilizing 3 gal of 10-34-0 vs. 100# 18-46-0.
Total potential bene t is $16.25/acre. Bene ts of Starter Fertilizer Early season vigor and growth Cost savings:
3 Gallons 10-34-0 replacing
broadcast application of
100# 18-46-0 Healthier plants tolerate stresses
better (herbicide applications
and frost)
Successfully Applying
Starter Fertilizer Apply 3 gallons of 10-34-0 or
similar product in furrow directly
over beet seed
Phosphorus is the key ingredient
for early season plant growth,
not N or K Can be tank mixed with water for
better application uniformity and
less risk of stand loss Can be tank mixed with Mustang
Max insecticide given adequate
tank agitation
Necessary Equipment Tank Manifold Pump Controller - Can be as simple as an
electronic switch on valve Total cost for system starts at $1,200
and goes up depending on mounting
of tank, size of tank, type of controller
and capacity/quality of pump
Starter Fertilizer
No Starter Fertilizer Potential nal yield increases
especially in cool, wet springs Reduction in amount of
Phosphorus applied to
the environment
For additional information contact your agriculturist or extension
specialists. See the 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1994, 1995,
1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 Sugarbeet Research
& Extension reports at www.sbreb.org.
Web sites:
www.crystalsugar.com
www.precisionpartners.com