Effects of Long‐Term, Annual Applications of N and P on Corn Grain Yields and Soil Chemical Properties¹

Abstract

Maximum yield production in monocultural cropping systems requires annual applications of fertilizer to maintain adequate soil nutrient levels. The rates of applied N and P fertilizers may vary from conservative to excessive applications. Experiments were established at two locations (Ardic Haplustoll and Aridic Argiustoll) to evaluate the effects of annual applications of N and P, over a period of several years, on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields and the accumulation of these nutrients in the soil. Maximum grain yields were consistently maintained with N applications of 134 to 180 kg/ha and P applications of 20 kg/ha. Applications of N‐rates higher than the optimum resulted in accumulations of residual NO3‐N and subsequent leaching. At one location the soil P level was maintained constant for 21 years with the 20‐kg P rate. A similar trend was observed for the initial 10 years of the second experiment, however, for the last 4 years soil‐P has increased at the rate of 4 ppm annually.

Corn Yield and Grain Nutrient Uptake from 50 Years of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization

“…These results are consistent with those recorded in earlier years of this experiment (Hooker et al, 1983;Schlegel and Havlin, 1995). During the last 19 yr, grain yield increased 20% (0.7 Mg ha -1 ) with P alone and 103% (3.6 Mg ha -1 ) with N alone; however, when N and P were applied together at the highest rates, grain yield was increased by 225% (7.9 Mg ha -1 ) over the unfertilized treatment.…”

“…Selected chemical properties of the surface soil in the control plots are shown in Table 1. Annual yield data and cultural practices through 1991 were reported previously (Hooker et al, 1983;Schlegel and Havlin, 1995). Similar cultural practices were continued through 2010.…”

“…Commercial hybrids adapted for the area were planted in late April or early May at about 76,000 seeds ha -1 in 76 cm rows. 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 1992-2010 1961- Hooker et al (1983) and for 1982 to 1991 yields, see Schlegel and Havlin (1995).…”

“…It is well understood that any factor limiting yield potential will reduce applied nutrient recovery and profit (Havlin et al, 2014). For example, in P deficient soils, adequate P fertilization increases yield response to applied N and AFNR g (Halvorson and Havlin, 1992;Campbell et al, 2005;Selles et al, 2011;Zhang et al, 2009;Dai et al, 2013) A long-term field experiment was established in western Kansas in 1961 to evaluate irrigated corn response to annual applications of N and P. Yield results were published after 20 yr (Hooker et al, 1983) and 30 yr (Schlegel and Havlin, 1995). As with many long-term field studies, the data were used by other researchers to evaluate additional objectives (Meisinger et al, 2008;Overman and Scholtz, 2002;Nkonya and Featherstone, 2000), by industry and extension educators to advise growers (Polizotto, 2008;Dhuyvetter et al, 2000), and to support agricultural policy (Ribaudo et al, 2011).…”

Effet à long terme de la monoculture sur le rendement en grain du maïs (Zea mays L) en conditions non irriguées

“…, Barnhart et al (1978), Ketcheson (1980), Hooker et al (1983), Gyôrffy (1984), Grove et Blevins (1988) (Giddens et al, 1965 ;Monnier, 1965 ;Scott et al, 1987 ; Mengel, 1987 ;Wagger, 1989a, b ;Martinez et Guiraud, 1990) …”