A yield increase on soils testing above 10 ppm phosphorus is unlikely. Expected seed yield of soybeans at various soil phosphorus levels without added phosphorus fertilizer and the probability of increasing seed yield with phosphorus fertilizer. These bands should be spaced 10 to 15 inches apart and the fertilizer placed 4 to 6 inches deep. Placing phosphorus in bands with a fertilizer attachment on the planter should also be effective, but the fertilizer must be placed at least one inch from the seed. Fertilizer should not be placed with the soybean seed because of the risk of seedling injury during germination.
Suggested placement is two inches to the side of the seed and at seed depth or deeper.
Most Nebraska soils are well supplied with potassium. Potassium levels are generally high in the surface soil and in the subsoil. Even though soybeans use large quantities of potassium, using potassium fertilizer is usually not profitable. Table II shows potassium fertilizer guidelines for soybeans based on data from other states. When soil tests indicate a need, potassium fertilizer is suggested according to these guidelines.