Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future

2017 Annual Meeting | Oct. 22-25 | Tampa, FL

106089 Early Vs. Late Nitrogen Strategies for Michigan Corn Production.

Poster Number 1250

See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
See more from this Session: Ph.D. Poster Competition

Monday, October 23, 2017
Tampa Convention Center, East Exhibit Hall

Jeff Rutan, 1066 Bogue Street, Rm A574, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI and Kurt Steinke, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Abstract:
Environmental, social, and economic concerns continue to emphasize improving upon current corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) management strategies. Split-N applications can be used to synchronize N availability with plant N uptake but validation of pre-plant and in-season N strategies is required. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 at two locations to investigate three N strategies involving multiple N-placements, timings, and sources applied at a single N rate. Strategies utilized broadcast pre-plant incorporated (PPI) N, starter N applied in-furrow (7.8 kg N ha-1), or starter N sub-surface banded 5 cm beside and 5 cm below the furrow (44.8 kg N ha-1). Treatment combinations within the in-furrow and banded starter N strategies included sidedress (SD) at V4-6, V10-12, or 50/50 (split) V4-6 and V10-12. Pre-plant incorporated (PPI) strategies involved 100% urea, 25/75 mix of urea with polymer-coated urea, and poultry litter applied at 2.2 Mg ha-1 plus SD N V10-12. Canopy V6 NDVI was a significant predictor of final grain yield but variably influenced by N strategy (r2 0.11 to 0.73) and illustrated the importance of meeting early corn N demands. When spring rainfall was at or below normal the in-furrow starter N strategy with delayed SD N application (V10-12) decreased mean grain yield up to 1.4 Mg ha-1 as compared to other (V4 or split) SD N timings with similar yield trends observed using the sub-surface banded strategy. In wet growing seasons yield potential was maintained using in-furrow or sub-surface banded strategies and delayed SD N application (V10-12) relative to other timings due to avoidance of early-season rainfall. No significant positive yield gains to V10-12 N application suggests use of delayed SD N as a rescue application but not as a standard management practice.

See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
See more from this Session: Ph.D. Poster Competition