Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which type of fertilizer is typically recommended for no-till farming?

1. Lime

2. Starter fertilizer

3. Liquid fertilizer

4. Slow-release fertilizer

The correct answer is: Starter fertilizer

Starter fertilizer is typically recommended for no-till farming because it enhances early plant development in conditions where soil disturbance is minimized. In no-till systems, the soil structure remains largely intact, which can result in compacted layers that may hinder root growth and nutrient uptake. Starter fertilizers are applied in close proximity to the seed at planting, providing essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in a form that is readily available for the young plants. This can lead to improved seedling vigor and better early season growth, which is crucial in competitive environments where young plants need to establish quickly. Other types of fertilizers, while beneficial in their own contexts, do not address the specific needs of crops at planting as effectively as starter fertilizers do in a no-till scenario. For instance, slow-release fertilizers release nutrients over a longer period and may not provide the immediate boost that young plants require right after germination. Liquid fertilizers can be used in no-till systems, but they may not be as effective at delivering nutrients directly to the seedling in the crucial early days of growth as starter fertilizers. Lime is primarily used to adjust soil pH rather than to provide immediate nutrients for crop establishment. Thus, starter fertilizer emerges as the strong recommendation for its alignment with the unique challenges and