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Root architecture key to corn fertilizer efficiency

A field agronomist with Beck’s Hybrids says research into corn root architecture is leading to more efficient fertilizer placement.

“We have three different root architectures that we categorize hybrids in, vertical, horizontal, and balanced.”

Drew Beckman says knowing a hybrid’s root type is key to proper management.

“Where that nitrogen is applied in relation to where that root system is there’s a massive difference in response of that hybrid to that fertility.”  He says, “So, if you have a vertical root system that’s going straight down, if you have a banded fertility where that is right along the row, it has more ability to take it up.”

He tells Brownfield, “If you have a horizontal root system, which is really wide, it actually will respond better to that broadcast type application of fertility, so it’s just a really cool dynamic that we’re diving into.”

Beckman says that farmers trying to get the most out of their fertilizer budget need to ensure their application methods line up with their hybrid selection’s root architecture.

AUDIO: Drew Beckman – Beck’s Hybrids