The best growers know that precise fertilizer placement is the cornerstone of success in the farming industry. Placing fertilizer to the side and just below the seed allows essential nutrients to come in contact with the roots enhancing the overall health of plants and ensuring maximum yields. . . . But how can you make sure that you hit that root zone for every seed every time?

 
Innovations in the area of fertilizer application are constantly emerging and evolving to meet the changing needs of growers. Coulters, coulter combinations, placement systems, and other planter options are enabling growers to place fertilizer with precision and produce higher populations of healthier plants each year.

A wide variety of coulters are now available for all types of fertilizer applications—pre-plant, mid-row banding, and side-dressing—and all types of fertilizer—liquid, dry, or suspension. Selecting the proper application method and type of fertilizer depends on the fertility level, the type of crop, and the tillage system. Many models work well in tilled or untilled soils and generally fit most toolbars or mount directly to the front of planters. Some coulters are equipped with blades and knives, and others are equipped with injectors. Both versions deliver effective placement and encourage strong stands. When choosing a coulter for your operation, it is imperative to make sure that it holds up in tough conditions, has a long service life, and has adequate downpressure force.

You may also opt for a coulter combination, an attachment that allows you to multi-task in a most effective way. Such combinations typically serve three functions simultaneously: (1) residue cutting, (2) coulter tillage, and (3) fertilizing.

 
When there is excess residue on the surface, crops may not be able to effectively use nutrients. The residue-cutting coulter opens the seed trench ahead of the double disc opener, while the fertilizer coulter injects a band of fertilizer close to the seed. Through independent depth adjustment, coulter combination attachments also allow you to apply fertilizer at a different depth level from the seed, ensuring precision placement for optimal yields and healthier plants.

Complete fertilizer placement systems are another all-inclusive alternative for deep precision placement. Such systems have a blade, which cuts a slot to the side of the row and injects liquid fertilizer at a depth of 4” to 8”. This process gives plants a jumpstart and dramatically increases their level of health and stability, delivering impeccable yields. The 2959 Injection System from Yetter Manufacturing Company is an excellent example. Long-time grower Gerry Hanson has been using this system with his JD 1760 12-row planter: “I really like the way that it floats and follows the ground contour and does not gouge. It is so easy to adjust . . . I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fertilizer coulter system.”

Fertilizer injector attachments are also widely available. Such attachment options sometimes consist of a notched blade, which precedes an adjustable injector tube for correct placement.

There are also various placement options to consider. For example, gauge wheels can be excellent enhancements to your current system, as they provide depth consistency for shallow or deep fertilizer placement. Knife scrapers are another option that can save tremendous amounts of time, as they eliminate residue plugging and reduce the frequency of adjustments.

Perfect fertilizer placement is critical in all stages of growth, adding to your bottom line. Capitalize on the many opportunities that are available to you through fertilizer distribution attachments and options.