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Effect of Stover Mulch on Soil Temperature, Corn Root Weight, and Phosphorus Fertilizer Uptake
Author(s) -
Onderdonk J. J.,
Ketcheson J. W.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1973.03615995003700060031x
Subject(s) - stover , corn stover , phosphorus , agronomy , fertilizer , mulch , plough , dry weight , water content , moisture , chemistry , environmental science , crop , biology , geology , biochemistry , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , hydrolysis
Bands of corn stover placed on soil in different positions relative to corn ( Zea mays L.) rows decreased soil temperature at a 10‐cm depth 2.5C for maxima, doubled the proportion of root growth in the surface 5 cm of soil, and tripled fertilizer uptake from a surface‐applied band of 32 P‐labeled phosphorus fertilizer. The greatest increase in uptake occurred with the band of stover on both sides of the row. Total root growth to a depth of 15 cm was not greater with stover than without it. The increase in uptake was credited to the relatively greater root growth near the surface, which in turn was believed due to the temperature depression and a tendency for a more horizontal direction of root growth. While a more favorable soil moisture level, as found under mulch, would be necessary for root growth and proliferation, it was not considered initially responsible for directing roots closer to the soil surface.