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Implications of Nitrogen Management Strategies for Nitrate Leaching Potential: Roles of Nitrogen Source and Fertilizer Recommendation System
Author(s) -
Durieux Robert P.,
Stewart E. J.,
Zhao J. Q.,
Magdoff Frederick R.,
Jokela William E.,
Brown Hugh J.
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/agronj1995.00021962008700050017x
Subject(s) - manure , chemistry , agronomy , fertilizer , nitrate , leaching (pedology) , nitrogen , zoology , nutrient , denitrification , soil water , environmental science , biology , soil science , organic chemistry
Using the soil‐based pre‐sidedress nitrate test (PSNT) rather than the yield‐goal‐based cropping and manure history (CMH) to recommend N for corn ( Zea mays L.) frequently results in less N applied. Our objectives were (i) to determine if this reduction in N application substantially reduces the potential for N leaching and (ii) to compare dairy manure and commercial fertilizer as N sources, both within PSNT‐based systems. The 4‐yr field study included (i) a control (no manure or N fertilizer), and three N fertilizer rates based on (ii) PSNT, no manure added (PSNT−M); (iii) cropping and manure history (CMH), no manure added; and (iv) dairy manure application with additional sidedress N if recommended by the PSNT (PSNT + M). The PSNT − M treatment received 112 kg N ha −1 in 1990 and 123 kg N ha −1 in subsequent years, while the CMH treatment received 168 kg N ha −1 in all 4 yr. Corn yield, N uptake (defined as net aboveground N accumulation), spring and fall soil NO ‐ 3 levels, and overwinter NO 3 ‐N losses were measured. Silage yields of PSNT + M generally were greatest (average of 16.5 Mg ha −1 ), followed by PSNT−M and CMH treatments, which were similar (14.8 Mg ha −1 ). The CMH system resulted in the highest soil NO 3 ‐N levels (to 120 cm) at harvest and greatest overwinter net profile NO 3 ‐N loss (average 66 kg ha −1 ). The results indicate (i) a reduced residual N after harvest and therefore reduced potential for N leaching when using the PSNT for N recommendations and (ii) similar or higher yields using manure compared with commercial fertilizer.