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Localized starter fertilizer applications are already applied to 75% of maize acreage in France to enhance nutrient efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Localized fertiliser application involves applying fertilizer directly to the roots of plants at sowing, rather than spreading it uniformly over the entire soil surface. Specialized devices, such as seed drill attachments or precision applicators, deposit nutrients precisely into the soil at a specific depth and distance from the seed. This targeted approach improves nutrient uptake efficiency, reduces fertilizer waste, and minimizes environmental losses, such as nitrogen volatilization.
The method offers several advantages, including improved nutrient uptake efficiency, which reduces nutrient losses. Localized fertilizer can be applied via specialized devices that deposit nutrients directly into the soil. This method is particularly relevant in intensive cropping systems or areas that are sensitive to excess nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer emissions. Localized application limits volatilization losses of nitrogen and improves plant access to phosphate with its low soil mobility. By incorporating this method, farmers can improve their yields while respecting the principles of sustainability and conservation of natural resources. An application at sowing maize is necessary when the residual nitrogen in the soil is less than 60 kg/ha. A dose of 40 kg/ha is sufficient to meet the nitrogen needs of young plants with up to 10 leaves. Phosphorus deficiency affects maize between the 3-leaf and 8-10-leaf stages, a period of low root colonization that limits access to phosphorus. Phosphorus is not very mobile in the soil and stimulates root growth. Integration with
precision farming tools, such as GPS-guided seeders and soil nutrient sensors, further enhances its effectiveness and applicability. Additionally, adjustments for equipment calibration and placement depth are critical to ensure the success of this method. Farmers adopting this practice should monitor residual soil nitrogen levels, adjust fertilizer placement tools accordingly, and use compatible technologies for optimal results. For wider adoption, the practice can also be adapted for other crops like cereals, potatoes, and vegetables by modifying the application technique to meet their specificnutrient requirements..