Response of Rice Yields to Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates and Polymer Coating

A polymer coating of phosphate fertilizer was evaluated for rice yield response. Three rates of phosphate fertilizer, including polymer coated and non coated, were compared to an untreated check. Net returns were calculated based on crop price and input costs. At the 25‐lb‐acre P2O5 rate the polymer coated treatments produced greater yields than equivalent non coated treatments. At higher P2O5 rates both polymer coated and non coated treatments produced equivalent yields. The 25‐lb P2O5 coated TSP treatment produced the greatest returns to producers.