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Synchrony between Legume Nitrogen Release and Corn Demand in the Upper Midwest
Author(s) -
Stute James K.,
Posner Joshua L.
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/agronj1995.00021962008700060006x
Subject(s) - vicia villosa , legume , agronomy , red clover , cover crop , fertilizer , growing season , crop , biology
If legume cover crops are to be an effective, environmentally sound N source for corn ( Zea mays L.), there must be a synchrony between legume N release and corn demand. A field study was conducted in Wisconsin during 1991 and 1992 that measured the release of legume N throughout the growing season using mesh bags, and compared resultant levels of soil mineral N following legume incorporation to those following fertilizer N applied at the recommended rate (179 kg N ha −1 ) and a control (no cover crop, no fertilizer) in a conventional tillage (CT) system. Corn N uptake during the growing season was also measured to determine if legume N could meet uptake demands. Hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth) and red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) residues decomposed rapidly, releasing half of their N within 4 wk after burial, while very little N was released after 10 wk (corresponding to corn silking). Soil tests indicated an increase in mineral N levels corresponding to legume N release, similar to those following an application of 179 kg ha −1 fertilizer N, occurring before the period of rapid N uptake by corn. Mean corn grain yields of 11.25 Mg ha −1 in 1991 and 10.89 Mg ha −1 in 1992 following the legumes were similar to those produced with 179 kg ha −1 fertilizer N, indicating that, in addition to releasing N in synchrony with the uptake pattern of corn, legumes released N in adequate amounts for corn production. Finally, postharvest levels of potentially leachable soil NO 3 ‐N following the legumes were similar to or less than when following fertilizer. Therefore, legume cover crops can be an effective N source for corn in the Upper Midwest.

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