Fertilizers in general are applied as a preplant application.The material used may be put down in one application or split and applied as a side- dress later in the season.The material can also be applied in-furrow at planting in proximity to the seed.The formulations used in terms of the percentages of the major nutrients (N,P and K) can vary depending on a number of factors such as soil type and soil test results.The form of the material used can also vary from granules to fluid fertilizers.Some possible formulations may include 32-0-0 (fluid urea ammonium nitrate),10- 34-0 (fluid ammonium polyphosphate),18-46-0 (dry diammonium phosphate)and 11-52-0 (Dry monoammonium phosphate).These formulations may also be used in conjunction with applications of micronutrients as required.Choice of fertilizer carrier (formulation)depends on cost and ratio. The following photographs represent the response of cotton seedling root systems to various in-furrow applications of both liquid and dry formulations.The plants shown were grown under optimum soil temperature conditions with adequate soil moisture.In each case the fertilizers were applied to simulate an in-furrow treatment. They consisted of 50,100 or 200 lbs/acre of each fertilizer material.

50 Pounds per Acre
The growth of the taproot and initiation of primary lateral roots were not restricted when 50 lbs/ acre of each fertilizer (either liquid or granular) was applied in-furrow at planting.Growth of lateral roots were restricted when the formulation 18-46-0 was applied compared to applications of 10-34-0 or 11-52-0.This may be caused by concentrated N carrier osmotically shocking (burning)the developing root tissue. Therefore the starter should not be placed in seed furrow.Place in “classic ”2x2 band (two inches out and two inches below seed furrow).

100 Pounds per Acre
The growth of the taproot was significantly reduced as well as lateral root initiation when 100 lbs/acre of 10-34-0 and 11-52-0 were applied in- furrow.There was no seed germination when 100 lbs/acre of 18-46-0 was applied in a similar manner.

200 Pounds per Acre
Germination did not occur when 200 lbs/acre of either 10-34-0 or 18- 46-0 was applied in- furrow.Germination and limited taproot elongation occurred when 11-52-0 was applied but no lateral roots were initiated.

50 lbs/ac 10-34-0


50 lbs/ac 11-52-0


50 lbs/ac 18-46-0


100lbs/ac 10-34-0


100lbs/ac 11-52-0


100 lbs/ac 18-46-0


200 lbs/ac 10-34-0


200lbs/ac 11-52-0


200lbs/ac 18-46-0