Premium
Crop Sequence Effects on Response of Corn and Soil Inorganic Nitrogen to Fertilizer and Manure Nitrogen
Author(s) -
Lory John A.,
Randall Gyles W.,
Russelle Michael P.
Publication year - 1995
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/agronj1995.00021962008700050016x
Subject(s) - agronomy , fertilizer , manure , stover , dry matter , nitrogen , crop , environmental science , chemistry , biology , organic chemistry
Abstract Fertilizer N and manure frequently are applied to corn ( Zea mays L.) grown after alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) at rates similar to those applied to continuous corn, although corn following alfalfa typically requires little additional N to attain maximum dry matter. Consequently, similar amounts of applied N may affect soil NO 3 differently in rotational than in continuous corn. There is little information evaluating crop sequence effects on residual soil NO 3 derived from fertilizer N and manure. In two 2‐yr experiments at two locations in Minnesota, we evaluated the effect of crop sequence on response of corn grain dry matter, grain N, and stover N, and of soil inorganic N (NO 3 ‐N and NH 4 ‐N) to fertilizer N and dairy manure. Grain dry matter of first‐year corn following alfalfa did not respond to applied N at Rosemount and typically was less responsive than continuous corn at Waseca. Crop sequence effects on soil NO 3 response to manure and fertilizer N were similar. Preplant fertilizer N application of 157 kg ha −1 increased residual soil NO 3 ‐N the following spring an average of 45 kg ha −1 more in first‐year corn following alfalfa than in continuous corn, except when excessive precipitation caused apparent high losses of applied N. Grain N content and soil NO 3 responded similarly to fertilizer N in both second‐year corn following alfalfa and continuous corn. Efforts to reduce the buildup and potential loss of soil NO 3 in the corn portion of alfalfa‐corn rotations should focus on reducing N application to first‐year corn following alfalfa. These N applications have little agronomic value and can dramatically increase residual soil NO 3 .