Farmer Jeff Reints from Shell Rock, Iowa has researched the advantages and disadvantages of banding versus broadcast fertilizer applications, and continues to find significant results. Reints found banding fertilizer in an 8x5in deep strip within strip-tilled farms reduced fertilizer application by 25%, a savings of $18 per acre compared to broadcast fertilizer. Reints also found fertilizer concentrations were higher than 10.5 grams per square foot. Both the reduction in application and higher concentration of fertilizers has led Reints to estimate an annual savings of $20,000 with banded application in strip-till versus broadcast applications in conventionally tilled farms. Reints’ own farm continues to yield 10% above the county average for corn, and he has the highest actual production history (APH) numbers in the county as well. Read the full article for more information!
