Impact of In-furrow Starter Fertilizers in Soybean Production in Oklahoma and Effect of the Use of a Novel Byproduct from the Desulfurization of Hydrocarbon Streams in Agricultural Soils

Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is an important oilseed worldwide due its high protein content and level of oil in the seed, which makes it valuable for human consumption, livestock feed, and bioenergy. Soybean ranks second as the most planted crop in the US in terms of acreage. As the acreage of soybeans in Oklahoma increases, so does the need for improved fertilizer management in soybean systems. The use of starter fertilizers provides readily available nutrients where undeveloped root system of the seedling can easily access. This study evaluated the effects of multiple starter fertilizer sources on soybean production in Oklahoma. Commonly used, commercially new, and experimental starter fertilizers were applied to soybean at planting either in-furrow or broadcast application at Stillwater and Perkins in 2015, and at Stillwater, Lahoma, and Lamont in 2016. Soybean germination, canopy coverage, and NDVI measurements were significantly reduced due to stressed induced by high temperatures and drought experienced during the growing season. Yield was not positively affected by any starter fertilizer applied. Timely precipitation was likely to be the most important limiting factor for soybean production in this study, masking any starter fertilizers improvement and making the use of starter fertilizer not indicated in Oklahoma.