Starter fertilizers get crops off to a great start by providing nutrition that might not otherwise be available due to cold, wet spring seeding conditions. The result is vigorous plants that establish quickly and are better able to compete with weeds, tolerate early-season stresses, pests and diseases.

Starters contain a supply of nutrients, strategically placed as close to the seed as possible. As seeds sprout, seedlings can quickly access these nutrients in a readily available form. Monitored R&D trials using various crops (canola, wheat, flax) revealed that the roots with Starter P in-furrow were three to four days ahead in their growth and development than those without a starter.

Crops require essential nutrients for healthy development and optimal growth. Various physiological functions such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, root growth and flowering all rely on nutrients. When plants don’t have enough of a specific nutrient they may display a range of symptoms, varying from morphological impairments (i.e. stunting), to chlorosis or necrosis, to premature seed set and ripening.

Deficiency in any given nutrient comes with the presentation a specific symptom or combination of symptoms. The expression and severity of symptoms varies, depending on how long the crop is left deficient.