I don't know if this graph will help you or not nutrient uptake I'll add the following comments: a) Even though the chart shows minor levels of uptake early in the season, it is probably more important to have some P close to the roots when the corn is just emerging. Of course you know this, but this is just a reminder. b) Phosphorus can be tied up, so if you are going to spoon-feed your phosphorus, you may actually get more efficient use. Whether it is worth the extra time is a different question. However, since you are going to be making multiple applications for your nitrogen....... it may be a moot point. My understanding is that phosphorus tends to move when soil P levels are high - which you don't say if your levels are high or very low. And I would expect phosphorus to move when soils are coarse - which you do say you have. If you do this, you might want to consider tissue sampling bi-weekly throughout the season, at least this first year, to see what is happening in the plant as you spoonfeed, and to make sure you don't get into a situation where the plant becomes nutrient deficient. Just a thought. It might also be interesting to pull soil samples at normal depth, and then at a deeper depth, to see if you are having P move down through the soil profile......Maybe something like: 0-6", 6-12", 12-18", and 18-24", or something along these lines......I would do this field, and a field with a heavier soil, to see if there are differences. Again, just a thought. |