In-furrow applications of starter fertilizer (11-37-0) to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., increased plant biomass components and yield in tests conducted at the Northeast Research Station. However, several problems were apparent on silt loam soil, significant phytotoxicity and stand losses occurred at 2.8 GPA. Increased thrips and aphid populations were present in the fertilizer treatments, and time-induced changes in the dispersion phase of selected liquid fungicide tank-mixtures occurred. Stand losses due to chemical in-compatibility of the mixtures resulted.

Louisiana farmers routinely control the early season disease, insect and nematode complex that occurs in cotton. Temik 15G and Terraclor Super-X are standards that have provided consistent suppression or control of the pest complex and increased yields. In-furrow applications of starter fertilizer provide another plane of early season responses that could enhance management capability and profitability. Application expenses could be reduced if the starter fertilizer were applied infurrow during the planting operation.

This paper reviews several experiments that evaluated in-furrow at-planting applications of 11-37-0 as a starter fertilizer. The merits and problems that developed when using in-furrow starter fertilizer are discussed.