Maize yields benefit from injected manure positioned in bands

•when manure is positioned at the appropriate depth and close to the maize row to be, the need for starter fertilizer is reduced.•The positive response of maize to positioned manure is most likely the result of a better availability of phosphorus.•Manure positioning allows intensive livestock farms to reduce the purchase of mineral fertilizer and this helps to better balance nutrient inputs and outputs on these farms.