CHALLENGE on Corn

5

increased yield
CHALLENGE 8-32-5 not only maximized roots but also boosted corn yield by 11.7 bushels/acre.

Whitewater, WI, USA
2024

Trail

5

increased yield

Key Conclusions

  • The use of CHALLENGE 8-32-5 in-furrow starter fertilizer led to a faster emergence rate compared to the control, though final stand counts at harvest were similar between the two treatments.

  • The application delivered an impressive 11.7 bushel per acre boost in corn yield over the control, showcasing a significant and rewarding yield response.

  • The yield increase translated to a gross return of approximately $52.65 per acre, indicating a profitable impact of using the fertilizer at the evaluated rate.

Objective

To evaluate the response of corn grain yield to Challenge 8-32-5 as an in-furrow starter fertilizer in a location that has consistently responded positively to starter fertilizer applications.

Trial Details

Trial station

Whitewater, WI, USA

Crop

Corn

Treatments

An established corn field was used for this randomized complete block design trial, with four replications and a control treatment. The trial site was fertile, with soil temperatures around 53ºF at planting. Emergence began on May 28, 2024.

Timing & Rates

  • Challenge 8-32-5 was applied at a rate of 1 gallon per acre, delivered in a total volume of 5 gallons per acre (1 gallon product plus 4 gallons water) to ensure even distribution.
  • The control treatment did not receive an in-furrow starter fertilizer application.

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil suitable for corn production.

Treatments

An established corn field was used for this randomized complete block design trial, with four replications and a control treatment. The trial site was fertile, with soil temperatures around 53ºF at planting. Emergence began on May 28, 2024.

Timing & Rates

  • Challenge 8-32-5 was applied at a rate of 1 gallon per acre, delivered in a total volume of 5 gallons per acre (1 gallon product plus 4 gallons water) to ensure even distribution.
  • The control treatment did not receive an in-furrow starter fertilizer application.

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil suitable for corn production.

Results

  • Stand count data (not shown) indicates that CHALLENGE resulted in a more rapid emergence rate, but final stand counts at harvest were relatively similar for both the control and CHALLENGE treatments.
  • The addition of CHALLENGE resulted in a 11.7 bushel per acre increase in yield over the control treatment which received no in-furrow starter fertilizer. This equated to a gross return of approximately $52.65 per acre based on $4.50 per bushel corn.