Premium
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Soil Nitrogen Parameters Related to Soil Texture and Corn Yield
Author(s) -
Shahandeh H.,
Wright A. L.,
Hons F. M.,
Lascano R. J.
Publication year - 2005
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/agronj2004.0287
Subject(s) - soil texture , spatial variability , agronomy , mineralization (soil science) , environmental science , soil science , nitrogen , fertilizer , soil fertility , soil water , chemistry , biology , mathematics , statistics , organic chemistry
The spatial variability of soil properties that affect the soil N budget and corn ( Zea mays L.) grain yield were studied for 2 yr in south‐central Texas to better assess the potential for variable‐rate N fertilization. Residual soil NO 3 –N with depth and soil N mineralization (Nmin) potential and their relationships with soil total N, soil organic C, and clay content were characterized. Residual soil NO 3 –N to 60‐cm depth was more related to corn yield than NO 3 –N at shallower depths. Residual soil NO 3 –N showed temporal variation with spatial structure existing for NO 3 –N in the first year when NO 3 –N concentrations were high, but this variation was absent in the second year when NO 3 –N concentrations were low. The opposite trend was observed for soil Nmin. Soil total N exhibited temporal persistence. Soil Nmin showed significant correlations with soil clay content in both years. Temporal persistence of soil texture and variation in spatial structure for N parameters would likely result in different strategies for soil N management zones in 2002 vs. 2003. This experiment demonstrated the potential importance of soil texture for modifying fertilizer N recommendations. Texture generally is more easily determined than soil N parameters at the scale and intensity necessary for site‐specific N management.