Producers may have to use occasional tillage to increase the fertility level of the nutrient uptake problems. Root uptake power is decreased, nutrient translocation to shoots is slowed, carbohydrate translocation to roots is reduced, and nutrient transport to root surfaces is slowed. Root Growth Restrictions. Anything that reduces total root surface area or length, reduces the root system's ability to take up nutrients. Such factors include compaction, high acidity, and herbicide carryover.
Starters are a very efficient method of providing plant nutrients, especially in no-till situations.
See Table 3. Subsurface banded starters will provide the early needs of the young plant as well as assist in reducing stratification of nutrients. Nutrients Responsible for Starter Response. The biggest changes in no-tillage fertilization methods should be in nitrogen management. The protective cover of crop residue causes several changes to occur in soil which also affects nitrogen fertilizer efficiency.