12/27/2022 - By Dr. Tom Reed

POLYON^® controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) performs not only in turfgrass but in other grass family (Poaceae) crops as well. Corn (Zea mays) is a nitrogen-demanding crop, and nitrogen deficiency is one of the most prevalent issues for growers. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and has many important functions for plants including chlorophyll synthesis.

Sufficient Nitrogen Availability Allows Corn to Reach its Genetic Yield Potential

POLYON^® fertilizer has proven to be able to deliver yields in corn at reduced rates. Results have been observed in Florida sandy soils that retain a limited amount of nutrients, throughout the Southern United States, and in the Midwest corn belt.

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have conducted trials that quantified the benefits of POLYON^® fertilizer in corn production. Studies evaluated POLYON^® fertilizer sources as an alternative to conventional nutrient sources, especially nitrogen applied to corn. In one study, three rates of POLYON^® fertilizer and a competing CRF were applied (150, 250, and 350 lb N/ac) compared against two rates (240 and 270 lb N/ac) of traditional commercial fertilizer programs.

POLYON® Fertilizer in Corn Trials Demonstrate Nitrogen Efficiency in Corn

POLYON^® fertilizer treatments were the highest-yielding treatments in the trial even at a reduced rate of 150 lb N/ac.

POLYON^® fertilizer yielded 247, 247, and 264 bu/ac for the 150, 250, and 350 lb N/ac treatments, respectively, over 18 bu/ac greater than either of the conventional programs’ average yield. The typical yield in the region is 200-225 bu/ac.

Harrell’s POLYON^® fertilizer treatments outperformed the competitor CRF on average by over 50 bu/ac, and similar results regarding the difference in performance compared to competitor CRF were observed the following season.

In another study that season, POLYON^® fertilizer treatments yielded 197, 240, and 263 bu/ac for the 150, 250, and 350 lb N/ac rate, respectively. Harrell's 43-0-0 was applied in both trials.

POLYON® Fertilizer Improves Corn Yields with Fewer Applications and Less Nitrogen Needed

Grower trials around the country have demonstrated that POLYON^® fertilizer can produce great yields while reducing the number of applications and nitrogen application rate. On-farm studies in the Southern United States utilized a complete 27-6-12 CRF blend (98% CRN, 27% CRP, 100% CRK) at 135-270 lb N/ac compared to each location’s grower standard (268-390 lb N/ac).

Harrell’s applications provided sufficient macronutrients throughout the growing season according to tissue analysis. Plants treated with POLYON® fertilizer had greater NPK concentrations regardless of application rate. POLYON® fertilizer treatments needed less applied nitrogen than the grower standards to produce a bushel of corn.

Across locations, the lower POLYON^® fertilizer rate (208 bu/ac) had a comparable yield to the grower standard (212 bu/ac) with significantly less nutrients applied. The higher rate POLYON® fertilizer treatment had 224 bu/ac yield on average with up to 120 lb/ac less applied nitrogen than the grower standard.

In the Midwest, POLYON^® fertilizer 44-0-0 was applied and similar results of sufficient nitrogen concentrations throughout the growing season were observed. Grower corn silage trials showed similar yields with POLYON^® fertilizer compared to conventional sources as well.

POLYON® Fertilizer and Nitrogen Efficiency in Corn

POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer has been utilized with different application methods with great success. The increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact of POLYON^® fertilizer is valuable particularly in soils that are prone to nutrient leaching. POLYON^® fertilizer applications produce great yields while removing burdens in some seasonal applications. POLYON^® fertilizer provides convenience and peace of mind knowing CRF material will continue to supply crop plants with nutrients throughout the season even in the event of leaching rainfall.

Harrell's POLYON® fertilizer blends are customized to provide nutrients at a predictable rate over time under specified conditions. To find the right POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer product for you, reach out to your Harrell's Rep.