Growth, Maturity, and Yield of Corn as Affected by Chloride in Potassium Fertilizer¹

Abstract

Synopsis High concentrations of chloride attained in row fertilization had adverse effects on corn growth, maturity, and yield. Broadcasting or mixing the chloride with soil tended to alleviate these effects. Low chloride applications, common in hill or row fertilization with KCI, were not detrimental but generally beneficial.

Corn Responses to Chloride in Maximum Yield Research

“…Increases in grain yield were associated with linear increases in ear size, which were significant at P = 0.04, 0.09, and 0.07 in 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively. Yield levels were twoto three-fold higher in this experiment than in previous studies that did not obtain yield increases from Cl fertilization of corn (Younts and Musgrave, 1958a;Teater et al, 1960;Parker et al, 1985;Schumacher and Fixen, 1989). Hybrid effects may also be a contributing factor to variation in corn responses to Cl as with wheat cultivars (Engel and Sanders, 1992).…”

“…that have not shown significant responses to Cl (Younts and Musgrave, 1958a;Teater et al, 1960;Parker et al, 1985;Schumacher and Fixen, 1989). Chloride supply may, however, become limiting for the significantly higher yields that can be achieved by employing more intensive production practices.…”

Chloride, Nitrogen Form, Lime, and Planting Date Effects on Take-All Root Rot of Winter Wheat

“…There was reason to suppose, based on the reported suppression by chloride (Cl) of certain other Table 1. Location, soil classification, lime rates, and soil analysis values of the experimental sitesa diseases such as corn stalk rot (Gibbere/la zeae and G.fujikuroi) (23,24) (Table 3). early seeding (Table 4).…”

The yield, growth and chemical composition of corn as influenced by hybrids and high rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers

“…Johansson (1961), in summarizing the use of large amounts of K on soils in Sweden concluded that it was not always the K alone that affected the yields but rather the anion connected with the K. Yield de pressions occurring with high rates of K from KCl were attributed to the CI ion. Younts and Musgrave (1958a) found that yields of corn were increased with added KCl; however, yields were higher where K2S0^ was used as the source of K. Jackson et al (1966) indicated that increasing the G1 level applied as KGl increased the Mn levels in the plants to toxic proportions. This situation could be remedied with limestone application.…”