TY - JOUR
T1 - Corn response to starter fertilizer and broadcast sulfur evaluated using strip trials
AU - Kim, Ki In
AU - Kaiser, Daniel E.
AU - Lamb, John
PY - 2013/3
Y1 - 2013/3
N2 - Sulfur fertilization has historically been recommended for corn (Zea mays L.) production in Minnesota only for only coarsetextured soils. In fields where medium or fine-textured soils and spatial variation exist, plants have shown chlorosis symptoms indicative of S deficiency. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of fluid fertilizer combinations containing N, P, and S on early nutrient uptake, corn grain yield, and nutrient removal, and to evaluate various soil factors for predicting S need within fields. Field trials were conducted at four locations, one with a sandy soil and three locations with finer soil textures. Pre-plant broadcast S was compared with liquid starter N and NP combinations applied with and without S 5 cm beside and below the seed row. Yield was increased by S at two locations. Yield response was not related to soil test SO4-S and decreased with increasing soil organic matter (SOM) concentration. Yield response was greatest when SOM concentration was <20 g kg-1 (0-15 cm), less between 20 and 40 g kg-1, and was not increased when >40 g kg-1. Starter treatments with P consistently increased early plant growth and nutrient uptake and S treatments increased S removal in the grain. The data indicates that when S is applied it can be taken up by corn in greater quantities that are needed for increasing or maintaining grain yield. However, if enough S is available following mineralization from SOM then applied fertilizer S will not benefit yield.
AB - Sulfur fertilization has historically been recommended for corn (Zea mays L.) production in Minnesota only for only coarsetextured soils. In fields where medium or fine-textured soils and spatial variation exist, plants have shown chlorosis symptoms indicative of S deficiency. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of fluid fertilizer combinations containing N, P, and S on early nutrient uptake, corn grain yield, and nutrient removal, and to evaluate various soil factors for predicting S need within fields. Field trials were conducted at four locations, one with a sandy soil and three locations with finer soil textures. Pre-plant broadcast S was compared with liquid starter N and NP combinations applied with and without S 5 cm beside and below the seed row. Yield was increased by S at two locations. Yield response was not related to soil test SO4-S and decreased with increasing soil organic matter (SOM) concentration. Yield response was greatest when SOM concentration was <20 g kg-1 (0-15 cm), less between 20 and 40 g kg-1, and was not increased when >40 g kg-1. Starter treatments with P consistently increased early plant growth and nutrient uptake and S treatments increased S removal in the grain. The data indicates that when S is applied it can be taken up by corn in greater quantities that are needed for increasing or maintaining grain yield. However, if enough S is available following mineralization from SOM then applied fertilizer S will not benefit yield.
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U2 - 10.2134/agronj2012.0299
DO - 10.2134/agronj2012.0299
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84875151524
SN - 0002-1962
VL - 105
SP - 401
EP - 411
JO - Agronomy Journal
JF - Agronomy Journal
IS - 2
ER -