Nitrogen and Tillage Effects on Irrigated Continuous Corn Yields

Abstract

A no-till (NT) production system has potential to reduce soil erosion, fossil fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions compared with a conventional till (CT) system. Nitrogen fertilization (four to six N rates) and tillage system (CT and NT) effects on irrigated, continuous corn (Zea mays L.) yields were evaluated for 5 yr on a clay loam soil to determine the viability of the NT system and N needs for optimum yield. Corn in both NT and CT systems responded similarly to available N supply. Grain yields were significantly increased by N fertilization in both tillage systems, with a 16% higher average maximum yield in the CT than in the NT system. Grain yields were near maximum with an available N (soil 1 fertilizer N) level of 276 and 268 kg N ha 21 in the CT and NT systems, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) averaged 43% over N rates and years for both systems. Total N required to produce 1 Mg of grain at maximum yield averaged 19 and 20 kg N Mg 21 grain for the CT and NT systems, respectively. Corn residue increased with increasing N rate with no difference in residue production between tillage systems. The lower grain yield with NT probably resulted from the slow early spring development and delayed tasseling compared with the CT system as a result of cooler spring soil temperatures in the NT system. No-till, irrigated, continuous corn production has potential for replacing CT systems in the central Great Plains area, but with reduced yield potential. Current N fertilizer recommendations for CT corn based on yield goal may need to be modified for NT to account for the lower yield potential and slightly higher N requirement.

Corn (<i>Zea Mays</i> L.) Plant Characteristics and Grain Yield Response to N Fertilization Programs in No-Tillage System

“…It was consistent with other studies (Halvorson et al, 2005;Gagnon and Ziadi, 2010). Halvorson et al (2005) reported a significant increase in grain yields with rates up to 224 kg N ha -1 under irrigated conditions. Ma et al (2005) observed that corn grain yields increased significantly with rates up to 120 kg N ha .…”

Net Global Warming Potential and Greenhouse Gas Intensity in Irrigated Cropping Systems in Northeastern Colorado

“…Grain yields were measured at physiological maturity in late October to early November each year by hand harvesting two rows 7.6 m long per plot. Plot management details for the study are provided in Halvorson et al (2004Halvorson et al ( , 2006.…”

Impact of Water and Nitrogen Management Strategies on Maize Yield and Water Productivity Indices under Linear-Move Sprinkler Irrigation

“…In 2012, lower, but still very high, R 2 values of 0.81, 0.87, and 0.97 were observed for rainfed, 75% FIT, and FIT, respectively. The weaker regression responses were due to the inclusion of control (0 kg Halvorson et al (2006) compiled five years of data and found a curvilinear increase in CWUE with increasing N availability under both conventional and no-till practices. Similar results were found by Carlson et al (1959), Viets (1962), Olson et al (1964), andAl-Kaisi andYin (2003).…”