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Yield and Nitrogen Content of Corn under Different Tillage Practices
Author(s) -
Mehdi B. B.,
Madramootoo C. A.,
Mehuys Guy R.
Publication year - 1999
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/agronj1999.914631x
Subject(s) - tillage , agronomy , water content , environmental science , no till farming , mathematics , soil water , biology , soil fertility , geotechnical engineering , soil science , engineering
The objective of the study was to determine whether tillage and residue practices have a significant effect on the yield and N content of corn ( Zea mays L.) under nonlimiting soil N conditions. Nitrate leaching has been identified as a source of non‐point‐source pollution. By identifying tillage practices which maximize corn N uptake, recommendations can be based on how to minimize N loss. A 2‐year field study was conducted in southwestern Quebec on a 2.4‐ha site of a Typic Endoaquent (Humic Gleysol) cropped to corn. Three types of tillage practice (conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no‐till) were combined with two residue levels (with and without) in a randomized complete block design. The effect of these practices on corn yield and corn N were studied. Seedling emergence rates in spring, and corn moisture content at harvest, were also monitored. Residues hindered initial plant emergence in the no‐till plots. Corn N and moisture contents in 1996 and 1997 indicated that no‐till with residue had a delayed maturity relative to the other treatments. However, total corn biomass and grain yields were not affected by tillage or residue treatments. No correlation between corn yield and corn N content was found.