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Rethinking starter fertilizers and biostimulants

We asked ICL’s lead agronomist, Jason Haegele, for his insights into the influence of innovations on starter fertilizers. Jason is a certified Crop Advisor and a graduate of the University of Illinois (Ph.D. in Crop Science) and Iowa State University (M.S., Crop Production and Physiology).

How have new innovations changed your recommendations on starter fertilizers?

In my early agronomist days, starter fertilizer discussions focused on basics like orthophosphate versus polyphosphate and placement methods like in-furrow versus 2×2. While still valid agronomic con­siderations, my mindset has shifted to how early-season growth and vigour set the trajectory for late-season nutrient management and greater yields. Relying solely on starters is not a slam dunk, but integrating them into a full-season plan as a foundation enhances repeatability. I have started to challenge the paradigms of starter fer­tilizer use. With biologicals, biostimulants (like humic substances), and micronutrients exploding into the market, there are endless opportunities to explore improving root growth, nutrient use effi­ciency, soil health, and ultimately yield.

What do you think about the potential for biostimulants to improve nutrient uptake and crop outputs, even with the cur­rent criticisms?

Biostimulants hold real promise in enhancing nutrient uptake and crop outputs, but criticisms related to standardization, product claims, and input costs cast a shadow. This criticism prompts a fun­damental question: Are we approaching biostimulants in a way that truly unlocks their benefits? In my opinion, the key lies in explor­ing our approach to biostimulants; an improved understanding of starter fertilizers may lead to more successful outcomes.

What does it mean to challenge the paradigm in starter fertil­izers?

Challenging paradigms in starter fertilizers involves questioning the belief that the traditional way of doing things is the only and best approach. Commonly used starter fertilizers like 10-34-0 or high orthophosphate options like 9-18-9 are usually top of mind, widely accessible, and proven effective across various crops. However, com­pared to other agricultural inputs, innovation in our approach to starter fertilizers has been slow. These liquid starters, for example, typically have application rates between 3 and 5 gallons per acre, a common practice. Why is that? Especially considering that start­ers aren’t meant to fulfill a full season’s nutrient requirement. Can a starter application achieve equal or superior results with reduced phosphorus? I am eager to challenge the existing norms and explore nutrient use efficiency alongside other starter-applied components like biostimulants.

How do biostimulants and starter fertilizers work together?

Phosphorus, as an example, plays a crucial role in improving early season root development and plant vigor when applied in a starter. Biostimulants and starter fertilizers could work synergistically to enhance root growth and nutrient availability, potentially leading to more productive crops, especially in the face of environmental stressors like cold soil temperatures.

What new research stands out?

ICL’s Nova® PeKacid™ 0-60-20, a unique water-soluble fertilizer, stands out for its ability to acidify water, improving nutrient compat­ibility and phosphorus availability, even when water contains a high concentration of dissolved calcium. Nova PeKacid has proven to be a superior source of orthophosphate and potassium across various applications, including fertigation and starter fertilizers. Extensive research and customer experience have shown enhanced availability of not only P and K but also micronutrients due to the reduced soil pH at the point of application.

What products are showing value?

Nova PeKacid shines as a starter fertilizer, especially when part of ICL’s Agrolution® pHLow™ 11-45-11 +2%Zn. This high-phosphorus starter, enriched with zinc, proves to be a well-balanced nutrient combination for early-season plant growth. Replicated field trials on corn, soybeans, and potatoes demonstrate equivalent or superior responses compared to grower standard rates of 10-34-0, achieving both efficiency and yield despite lower early-season P levels. Addi­tionally, the integration of ICL’s BIOZ Diamond™ 10-0-1 biostimu­lant, containing fulvic acid and a yeast extract, shows substantial yield benefits when used alongside Agrolution pHLow, at times matching the yield increases observed with the standalone applica­tion of the starter fertilizer.

What are important things to consider for short growing seasons?

In short growing seasons with cold early-season temperatures, en­suring the crop is uniform and off to a vigorous start can make the difference between an average and an outstanding yield. Do starter fertilizers always pay off? No, but I am confident that new research and approaches leveraging starter fertilizer nutrition and biostimu­lants will continue to elevate the importance of this crop manage­ment tool for driving increased yield and sustainability.