Row Application Fertilizers

Row application of fertilizers is widely used in commercial agriculture. The technique gives seedlings the best start, improving nutrient use efficiency and stimulating enhanced and early seedling growth. Seedlings that have enjoyed row application are robust and less prone to suffer from pests and diseases.

What is Row Application?

Row application is a fertilizer placement method used for crops planted in rows. It involves applying fertilizer in continuous bands beside or below the seed row, creating a concentrated nutrient zone that supports rapid and vigorous early growth. The targeted nutrient delivery to the root zone improves efficiency compared to broadcast spreading or foliar application. Row application is commonly used in crops such as maize, sugarcane, soybean, and potatoes.

How does Row Application Work

Row application places nutrients where developing roots can access them most easily. Placement is typically 5 cm to the side or 5 cm below the seed, although this may vary depending on the crop and soil type. Fertilizer may be applied before planting, during seeding, or immediately afterward. Both dry and liquid formulations can be used, depending on the equipment and agronomic objectives.

Key Benefits of Row Application

Row application offers multiple agronomic advantages by delivering nutrients directly where young plants need them most. These benefits translate into stronger crop performance from the very start of the growing season.

• Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency: By concentrating nutrients near the root zone, this method reduces losses due to leaching or volatilization and enhances uptake.
• Enhanced Early Growth: Seedlings benefit from immediate access to nutrients, promoting faster and stronger establishment.
• Greater Resilience: Vigorous early growth helps seedlings better withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
• Phosphorus Efficiency: Banding phosphorus fertilizers near the seed row reduces P-fixation, increasing availability and uptake of this vital nutrient in the critical early stages of growth.

Placement Matters

The effectiveness of row application depends heavily on proper placement. Fertilizer placed too close to the seed can cause salt injury, inhibit germination, or hinder root development. A general guideline is to maintain a minimum distance of 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed. The fertilizer dose must also be carefully managed as excessive rates can damage seedlings, particularly under dry conditions or in sensitive crops.

Row Application vs. Side Dressing

While row application is performed at or before planting, side dressing involves applying fertilizer along plant rows later in the season. Side dressing is especially useful for nitrogen management, allowing growers to split total N applications and respond to crop demand throughout the season. This approach is particularly valuable in coarse-textured soils with high nitrate leaching potential.

However, side dressing is less effective for immobile nutrients like phosphorus, as these nutrients remain where placed and may not reach the root zone in time to benefit plant growth. Care must also be taken to avoid root damage during side dressing operations.

Practical Considerations

Successful row application depends on adapting the technique to local conditions, including soil characteristics, crop type, and available equipment. Consider the following factors when planning your approach:

• Soil Type: On sandy soils, splitting nitrogen with side dressing can prevent early-season nutrient losses. On heavier soils, pre-plant row application of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, is often more effective.
• Crop Type: Consider the rooting depth and nutrient uptake pattern of each crop to tailor the application strategy.
• Equipment: Use calibrated and well-maintained application equipment to ensure consistent depth, spacing, and avoidance of seed contact.

Fertilizers Well-Suited for Row Application

Choosing the right fertilizer is essential to get the most from row application. ICL offers many advanced formulations that support early root development, improve nutrient efficiency, and match a range of crop cycles and soil conditions. Our Agrocote and Agromaster controlled release fertilizers deliver nutrients over a prolonged period, with longevities tailored to your crop’s needs. We also offer Polysulphate-based fertilizers from our Plus range of fertilizers, our recycled phosphorus Puraloop fertilizer, and, of course, our high quality potash, phosphate, and granular fertilizers to choose from.

These fertilizers allow for strategic nutrient placement, improving crop performance and input efficiency. (Always consult an agronomist to tailor your choice to local soil and crop conditions.)

Setting the Foundation for Strong Crops

Row application provides an efficient, targeted approach to nutrient delivery. When done correctly, it enhances early root development, improves fertilizer use efficiency, and increases crop resilience. Combined with well-timed side dressing and soil-specific management, row application forms a key part of integrated nutrient management, supporting strong yields and sustainable production across diverse cropping systems.