Post‐Anthesis Nitrogen Loss from Corn

Published research has shown relatively large amounts of NH 3 being lost from aboveground vegetation during grain development for various grain crops For corn ( Zea mays L.), maximum net N accumulation usually occurs during early reproductive development (R1‐R3) and a subsequent decline is often observed. Two recently completed N fertilizer recovery studies on irrigated corn utilizing isotopic techniques were re‐examined to quantify post‐anthesis N losses from aboveground biomass of irrigated corn under different N regimes. These studies were conducted at different sites, in different years, with fertilizer rates ranging from 50 to 300 kg N ha− 1 . Measured losses of labeled N from aboveground plant material ranged from 7 to 34 kg N ha− 1 . Isotopic dilution suggests that apparent real N losses from aboveground biomass ranged from 45 to 81 kg N ha− 1 , assuming there is no selectivity for N source (i.e., 15 N vs. 14 N). Plant N losses accounted for 52 to 73% of the unaccounted‐for N in 15 N balance calculations. Failure to include direct plant N losses when calculating an N budget leads to overestimation of losses from the soil by denitrification, leaching, and ammonia volatilization. Proper accounting for volatile plant N losses may improve management strategies that affect N fertilizer use efficiencies.