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® can improve cotton yield under field condition.
Materials & Methods
Experimental plots for cotton were established at the Agricenter International research facility in Memphis, Tenn. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six replications. The cotton was planted on May 26 in a field that did not have any humic products prior to this study. The crop was harvested on November 14.
The grower standard (GS) fertilizer program, including the source and application timings, are outlined in Table. 1. Zap® was applied at planting and again 41 days 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 plants and the soil surface.
Table 1. Grower Standard and Huma® Treatment Fertilizer Programs
Results
The difference between the two treatments was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05); adding Zap® to GS increased cotton lint by 125.8 lb/acre (Figure 1). This resulted in a return on investment (ROI) of 67%.
Figure 1. Cotton Response to Zap® Treatment
Conclusions
This field study confirmed results from previous field trials that including Zap® in crop production can increase yield. The yield bump of 14% and the ROI of 67% resulted in over $25 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.
