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Supplemental Fertilization of Irrigated Corn Guided by Foliar Critical Nutrient Levels and Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System Norms
Author(s) -
Elwali A. M. O.,
Gascho G. J.
Publication year - 1988
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/agronj1988.00021962008000020019x
Subject(s) - human fertilization , fertilizer , agronomy , nutrient , loam , growing season , field experiment , mathematics , soil water , environmental science , biology , ecology
Applying moderate amounts of fertilizers to irrigated corn ( Zea mays L.), and making corrections during the growing season as indicated by foliar analysis, is very appealing as a means of reducing risk and increasing fertilizer efficiency, especially on irrigated sandy soils. This study was conducted to determine the relative abilities of the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and the Critical Nutrient Level (CNL) approach to predict supplemental fertilization needs of irrigated corn based on foliar analysis at the 10‐ or 12‐leaf stage. Three field experiments were conducted on a Bonifay sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Grossarenic Plinthic Paleudult). Treatment variables in the first year consisted of a factorial combination of two basic N‐P‐K fertilization rates and four supplemental fertilizer treatments applied at the 12‐leaf stage using the DRIS and CNL approaches. In the second and third years, treatment variables consisted of four basic N‐P‐K fertilization levels and six supplemental treatments following foliar analysis at the 10‐leaf stage. Foliar analysis at the 10‐ or 12‐leaf stage was effective for making supplemental fertilizer recommendations for corn. Application of moderate amounts of fertilizers and supplemental applications during the growing season as indicated by both foliar CNL and DRIS norms significantly increased grain yield in two of three experiments. Both CNL and DRIS norms are needed for accurate interpretation of foliar values. Additional studies are needed to increase predictability of supplemental S and Mg applications.