Corn Seed Treatments Deliver Nutrients, ROI and Improved Planting Operation

One of the most rapidly changing parts of the seed industry is seed treatment. In addition to fungicide and insecticide options, there are many supplemental fertility options available to add to your base treatment package. Adding nutrients to the corn seed treatment or even in the planter boxes, has shown to consistently improve yields across varying environments. While the addition of graphite and talc in the planter box may be categorized as a seed treatment or coating, their purpose is to improve the “flow” of the seed through the planters' seed mechanisms, rather than directly impact crop growth and development.

On-Farm Trial Results of Flotegic® seed corn treatment

Flotegic seed corn treatment from GROWMARK, Inc. is a multi-functional replacement to graphite and talc in the planter box, containing nitrogen, phosphorous, manganese, and zinc. While allowing seed to flow smoothly through your planter systems, Flotegic also provides vital plant nutrition needed to support the critical, early stages of crop growth. The dry-seed nutrients help increase root development early in the plant's life, promoting root growth and plant vigor. Plants are better able to withstand early season cold and water stress while progressing through the vegetative growth stage.

As shown in 2021 MiField Applied Research testing, corn response to the corn seed treatment, Flotegic yielded 5.0 bu/A better than the growers' standard practices, and demonstrated an ROI of $25.00/bu. In 3-year consecutive trend analysis (trials held in 2019, 2020 and 2021), Flotegic had a 4.0 bu/A average increase resulting in 78% positive yield response over 55 trials and demonstrating an average ROI of $14.56/A.

Seed treatments on your farm

As all farmers know, conditions during each season play a major role in the profitability of any input, including seed treatments. The annual and trending data reported in the MiField Applied Research Report are provided from trials on multiple farms, across multiple seasons, best illustrating the variability of the yield responses obtained from seed treatments across various environments. More than ever, with the many products on the market, and varying practices available, growers are conducting tests in their own soils, and in their local growing environments. Trial outcomes on your own farm provides for ongoing, tailored recommendations that work. Contact your Southern States Agronomy Specialist today to discuss if seed treatments can add value to your operation and ROI.