100036 Assessment of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers and Application Timing Interactions on Nitrate Leaching in Corn (Zea Mays L.).
Poster Number 125-511
See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
See more from this Session: S4/S8 M.S. Poster Competition
Monday, November 7, 2016
Phoenix Convention Center North, Exhibit Hall CDE
Abstract:
Globally, nitrate (NO3-) leaching is a concern because it has negative environmental and health consequences through groundwater contamination. The largest source of NO3- groundwater contamination is the conventional use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agriculture. However, NO3- leaching in agriculture may be reduced with enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) by synchronizing the availability of NO3- with crop N demand. A field study was initiated to evaluate the influence of N management practices (N product and timing combinations) on NO3- leaching in corn production systems. Measurements were collected in four farm-scale plots (~4 ha) within a larger homogeneous plot (~30 ha) that is in the same experimental area as a larger study on N2O emissions. Study plots received the recommended fertilizer treatment rate of 150 kg N ha-1 differing by timing of N application and product. Two plots received fertilizer treatments at planting as urea and urea + urease and nitrification inhibitors. Additionally, two plots received fertilizer treatments at the 6th leaf stage as UAN and UAN + urease and nitrification inhibitors. NO3- concentrations were measured using porous ceramic cup samplers installed at 9 locations in each plot at a depth of 80 cm. NO3- leaching was quantified using a soil water budget approach to calculate drainage by examining data from precipitation, evapotranspiration and changes in soil water storage. Data collection and analysis is on-going. Year one data will be presented. We anticipate that EEFs will reduce the amount of NO3- leaching compared to a conventional product applied independently of crop demand. This project will help determine methods to more efficiently manage N and protect clean water reserves.
See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
See more from this Session: S4/S8 M.S. Poster Competition