Background
Application of Zap® to soils in combination with other Huma® fertilizers at various locations previously resulted in crops with improved plant growth and higher yields. Applying Zap® with
grower standard products or as a single product application to soil and plants could also impact results.
Objective
The focus of this study was to observe if Zap®, as a yield-enhancing product, can improve corn yield if it were applied to both soil and leaves under field condition.
Materials & Methods
Experimental plots for corn were established at the Agricenter International research facility in Memphis, Tenn. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six replications. The corn was planted on June 29 in a field that did not have any humic products prior to this study. The crop was harvested on October 19.
The grower standard (GS) fertilizer program, including the source and application timings, are outlined in Table 1. Zap® was applied at planting and again four weeks later during the growing season (Table 1). At planting, Zap®, tank-mixed with 10-34-0 fertilizer, was applied in-furrow. Zap® was then broadcast sprayed on the plant and soil surface at 28 days.
Results
Even though the difference between the two treatments was not statistically significant, the addition of Zap® slightly improved corn yield over the GS (Figure 1). Adding Zap® to GS caused the corn yield to increase by 8.3 bu/acre over the GS program alone, which resulted in a 10% return on investment (ROI).
Conclusions
This field study confirmed results from previous field trials (see QR Code below) that including Zap® in crop production improves yield. It also showed that Zap® can be applied to both soil and plant canopy with satisfactory results. The yield bump of 6% and the ROI of 10% resulted in a $2.93 per acre net income gain.
Product
Huma® Zap®, carbon-complexed with Micro Carbon Technology® is a formulation of nutrients for feeding the native beneficial soil microbial balance. Zap® feeds a strong, vigorous soil biology, which indirectly results in the natural improvement of soil health.