Grain Corn and Soil Nitrogen Responses to Sidedress Nitrogen Sources and Applications

Abstract

Th e effi ciency of synthetic N fertilization can be improved by selecting the fertilizer source and application that best matches the soil N supply and crop demand. A fi eld experiment was conducted for 3 yr (2004-2006) on a clay soil near Québec City, QC, Canada, to evaluate the eff ects of N fertilizer source and application on corn (Zea mays L.) yield, plant N accumulation, and residual soil inorganic N. Treatments consisted of an unfertilized control (0 N) and three sources of N fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate 32% [UAN], calcium ammonium nitrate [CAN], and aqua ammonia [AA]) applied at three diff erent concentrations (100, 150, and 200 kg N ha -1 ). Nitrogen fertilizers were banded 5 cm below the soil surface between corn rows at the six-leaf stage every year. Fertilizer source aff ected grain corn with the highest mean yields (8.9 Mg ha -1 ) and total plant N accumulation achieved with UAN at any application. For all fertilizer sources, the linear-plus-plateau model best described the corn response to N application with optimum rate at 100, 124, and 128 kg N ha -1 for UAN, CAN, and AA, respectively. At harvest each year, the concentration of residual soil inorganic N increased in the upper layer. Under the cool and humid climatic prevailing conditions, UAN was the most effi cient synthetic N fertilizer when banded into the soil at sidedress.

Corn (<i>Zea Mays</i> L.) Plant Characteristics and Grain Yield Response to N Fertilization Programs in No-Tillage System

“…It was consistent with other studies (Halvorson et al, 2005;Gagnon and Ziadi, 2010). Halvorson et al (2005) reported a significant increase in grain yields with rates up to 224 kg N ha -1 under irrigated conditions.…”

Soil-surface carbon dioxide emission following nitrogen fertilization in corn

“…The direct effect of N addition was related to osmotic potential and ion concentration that inhibit microbial growth (Treseder 2008). In our field study, mean in-season soil mineral N content was higher with UAN and CAN than with AA (Gagnon and Ziadi 2010). The lower depressive effect of NH 4 source could also result from the conversion mechanisms of assimilation and dissimilation of the solubilized organic C with ammonia by the microbial processes (Norman et al 1988).…”

“…The second period (Period 2) began at sidedress N application and ended when soil mineral N content in N treatments reached levels similar to the control soils, corresponding During each growing season, soil samples were taken at specific times after sidedress N application from the 0 to 15 cm layer with a 2.5 cm diameter soil probe according to a systematic spatial collecting pattern due to band application. Soil extractable NO 3 -N and NH 4 -N were reported in Gagnon and Ziadi (2010) and WEOC in Gagnon et al (2011). Soil pH was determined with a soil to water ratio of 1:2 (Hendershot et al 2008).…”

Évaluation à moyen terme des besoins en engrais minéraux (N, P, K) d'une rotation en grandes cultures sur sol argileux

“…L'apport d'azote (N) mine´ral ou organique permet ge´ne´ralement d'augmenter les rendements du ble ( Ayoub et al 1994;Tran et Tremblay 2000;Ziadi et al 2008), du maı¨s-grain (Tran et al 1997;Elmi et al 2002;Ma et al 2005;Tremblay et al 2007; Gagnon et Ziadi 2010), mais n'a pas beaucoup d'impact sur les rendements du soya (Tremblay et Beausoleil 2000;Pellerin et al 2006). Plusieurs facteurs peuvent influencer les besoins en e´le´ments fertilisants d'une culture : la disponibilite´de l'e´le´ment fertilisant dans le sol, la localisation ge´ographique, les conditions climatiques, les types de sol, les rotations, les cultivars ou les hybrides, etc.…”

“…Plusieurs facteurs peuvent influencer les besoins en e´le´ments fertilisants d'une culture : la disponibilite´de l'e´le´ment fertilisant dans le sol, la localisation ge´ographique, les conditions climatiques, les types de sol, les rotations, les cultivars ou les hybrides, etc. Chantigny et al 2008;Ziadi et al 2008;Gagnon et Ziadi 2010). Au Que´bec, il est recommande´d'apporter de 90 a`120 kg N ha…”