Fertilizer Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency of Furrow‐Irrigated Corn. (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roberts, Trenton L.; Slaton, Nathan A.; Kelley, Jason P.; Greub, Chester E.; Fulford, Anthony M.
• Is Part Of: Agronomy Journal. Volume 108:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 2123
• Page End: 2128
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2016.02.0092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-1962

Abstract

Abstract : Corn ( Zea mays L.) yield under irrigated production systems is influenced by N rate and timing of application. This study was conducted to determine how current N application strategies (two‐way vs. three‐way split application) and N rate (optimal vs. suboptimal) influence fertilizer‐nitrogen recovery efficiency (FNRE) for furrow‐irrigated corn production in the mid‐South. The effects of N rate and application timing on corn FNRE were investigated in Rohwer, AR, on a Herbert silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, active, thermic Aeric Epiaqualf). Corn grain yield and total‐N uptake were both influenced by the interaction of N treatment and year ( p < 0.0001). Corn grain yields were maximized when an optimal‐N rate of 235 kg N ha −1 was applied in a two‐way split application with 50 kg N ha −1 pre‐plant and 185 kg N ha −1 sidedressed at the V6 stage. The ANOVA for FNRE indicated that N treatment was the only significant factor ( p < 0.0001) and varied based on N rate and time of application. The lowest FNRE was 61% and occurred when 50 kg N ha −1 was applied pre‐plant. The highest overall FNRE was 91% when 50 kg N ha −1 was applied pre‐tassel in the suboptimal‐N rate treatment. The FNRE of N sidedressed at V6 ranged from 81 to 91% and was influenced by N rate with the suboptimal‐N rate treatments tending to have significantly higher FNRE values. The results presented in this paper highlight the high FNRE that can be achieved in furrow‐irrigated corn production. Core Ideas Fertilizer N recovery efficiency ranged from 61 to 91%. Fertilizer N recovery efficiency influenced by rate and application timing. High fertilizer N recovery efficiency can be achieved in irrgated corn production systems.