Should You Use Starter Fertilizer on Corn

Research out of Purdue might lead you to say no.  No-till Farmer Carried the article Corn Response to Starter Fertilizer.  Research results are usually mixed on the question, and have been for at least 40 years.  Logic tells you that getting the crop off to a fast start is a good idea.  The trouble is that logic and science are not the same.  Much of the replicated research says that it does not pay.  There are conditions where starter might be helpful  The Purdue research shows a response in No-till.  I have also seen results where starter was helpful where soil tests are below critical levels.

You have to ask yourself, do you have time to mess with another thing in an already busy season?