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Yield, N, and S Content of Corn as Affected by N and S Fertilization on Coastal Plain Soils 1
Author(s) -
Rabuffetti Armando,
Kamprath Eugene J.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1977.00021962006900050013x
Subject(s) - loam , agronomy , human fertilization , soil water , stover , coastal plain , ultisol , nitrogen , environmental science , soil classification , field experiment , zoology , chemistry , biology , soil science , ecology , organic chemistry
Since there is an increasing use of high analysis fertilizers containing very little sulfur, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the S requirements of corn ( Zea mays L.) grown on Coastal Plain soils under present management practices. The soils used were Goldsboro loamy sand (Aquic Paleudult) and Wagram loamy sand (Arenic Paleudult). Experiments consisted of a complete factorial arrangement of nitrogen rates (which varied from 56 to 224 kg/ha) and S rates (which varied from 0 to 66 kg/ha). Gypsum was used as the source of S. The hybrid ‘Pioneer 3369A’ was grown at both sites. Nitrogen fertilization had the largest effect on yield and N content of corn grain. The effects of S fertilization depended on the N supply. With 56 or 112 kg N/ha, S additions had no effect or depressed grain yields and N content. With 168 or 224 kg N/ha, S fertilization significantly increased grain yields and N content of corn grain. Total amounts of S accumulated by corn varied from 7 to 20 kg/ha depending on soil type, N, and S rates. Nitrogen fertilization had a larger effect than S fertilization in determining total S accumulation in grain and stover. This study indicated that additions of 30 to 60 kg S/ha to adequately N‐fertilized corn crops are likely to improve grain yield and quality of corn grown on Coastal Plain soils, particularly on those having deep sandy A horizons.