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Nitrogen Fertilization Timing Effect on Wheat Production, Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency, and Residual Soil Nitrogen
Author(s) -
Alcoz Mercedes M.,
Hons Frank M.,
Haby Vincent A.
Publication year - 1993
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/agronj1993.00021962008500060020x
Subject(s) - udic moisture regime , nitrogen , straw , agronomy , fertilizer , human fertilization , field experiment , chemistry , yield (engineering) , zoology , growing season , mathematics , soil water , environmental science , biology , loam , soil science , organic chemistry , materials science , metallurgy
Split fertilizer N application has been proposed for improving N uptake efficiency in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production systems, but results have been inconsistent. In this field study, 75 and 150 kg N ha −1 was applied either all preplant or in two, three, or four split applications based on wheat growth stage (GS) to determine N timing effect on wheat yield and apparent fertilizer N recovery. Vegetative samples were also collected at Feekes GS 4, 6, and 10 to determine treatment effects on tissue N concentration during the growing season. Soil samples were collected after harvest to evaluate residual N quantity and movement in soil relative to N rate and time of application. The soil used was a Fluventic Ustochrept‐Udic Chromustert intergrade. Nitrogen rate and application timing appeared to have less effect than year on yield and N parameters. Significant grain yield increases were achieved with split applications of N fertilizer when N was topdressed at GS 4 or 6 in 1989 as compared with all preplant or application at GS 10. Split N application at GS 10 produced greater grain yield than application at GS 4 or 6 in 1990. Nitrogen uptake efficiency was greatest with 75 kg N ha −1 and split application. Soil NO ‐ 3 –N concentration was significantly higher at 150 kg N ha −1 than at 75 kg N ha −1 . Significantly lower residual NO ‐ 3 ‐N with the preplant treatment was not accounted for by greater grain or straw N content.