Shawn Conley, State Soybean and Small Grains Specialist
Research trials were initiated in the fall of 2016 and 2017 at four locations (Arlington, Sharon, Chitlon and Fond du Lac) to assess the impact of starter fertilizer on early season growth, grain yield, and grain quality of soft red winter wheat. Dry granular starter fertilizer was applied in-furrow with the seed at planting time. Treatments were selected based on common availability of dry starter fertilizers and previous research using these rates. No early growth, vigor, or phytotoxicity differences were noted in any of the fertilizer treatments compared to the nontreated control. Normal, UWEX recommended corrective and nitrogen fertilization practices were used at each location in addition to the individual fertilizer treatments.