ABSTRACT
Banding is the application of a fertilizer as a narrow intact band that reduces the contact between the applied fertilizer and the soil. Applications may be made prior to, during, or after planting. Banding is particularly effective in increasing the availability of an element whose soil test level is low, when early-season stress may occur due to either cool or wet soil conditions that would limit plant root growth, or when soil compaction limits root development into the soil mass, reducing plant root soil-fertilizer contact. Banding reduces soil-fertilizer contact, which can revert an applied fertilizer element into an unavailable form by ƒxation.
