127-17 By-Plant Nitrogen Fertilization In Maize (Zea mays L.) Using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.



Monday, October 17, 2011
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall C, Street Level

Jeremiah Mullock, BeeKhim Chim, Jonathan Kelly, Guilherme Torres and Bill Raun, 368 Agricultural Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
By-Plant variability in maize grain yield has been shown to exist, with average differences in yield of 2765 kg ha-1. This study was conducted to determine the effect of fertilizing each  maize plant based on  Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), readings on final grain yield. One experiment was conducted on a Pulaski fine sandy loam (coarse loamy, mixed, superactive, nonacid, Udic Ustifluvent) near Lake Carl Blackwell (LCB), OK  and on a Taloka silt loam (fine, mixed, active, thermic Mollic Albaqualf) at Haskell, OK. Pre-plant N rates included were 0, 45, 90, and 180 kg ha-1, with 180 kg ha-1 used as a reference strip. Plant height, distance between plants, and NDVI measurements were collected at the V8 stage. Top-dress N was applied  using a variable rate by-plant, the same rate to each plant, and a uniform rate along the entire length of row.  A non fertilized check was also included. Results for applying N to each indivicual maize plant based on NDVI readings are at present inconclusive. 
See more from this Division: S04 Soil Fertility & Plant Nutrition
See more from this Session: S4-S8 Graduate Student Poster Competition