Starter Fertilizer

I suppose everyone has already made decisions about starter fertilizer, but this a good time of year to weigh in on the subject anyway.  I have seen mixed results on yield response in the research I have read.  Ohio State University has completed some research that shows yield response with early planted corn and corn planted in soils with low nutrient levels.  Prairie Farmer had a well written article in February.  It looks like it will take around 3.5 bushel of yield advantage to break even. 

Some people are looking to in the row fertilizer to carry their crops without bringing soil test levels up to ideal levels.  That is a dangerous game to play.  In stressful years, higher levels of fertility will pay off.   Some are looking to overcome nutrient stratification issues with in row fertilizer.  My final advise is to test it on your farm in several places.  Leave at least one cornhead width so you can check the yield with your well calibrated yield monitor.