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Losses of Nitrogen and Mineral Nutrients from Corn Grown in Greenhouse Pot Experiments
Author(s) -
Terman G. L.,
Allen S. E.
Publication year - 1974
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/sssaj1974.03615995003800020031x
Subject(s) - nutrient , leaching (pedology) , agronomy , nitrogen , chemistry , zea mays , nitrate , dissolution , urea , zoology , ammonium , soil water , biology , ecology , organic chemistry
Three greenhouse pot experiments were conducted: the first to compare rates of N as ammonium nitrate (AN) and S‐coated urea products (SCU, 6 and 12% initial dissolution in water) for corn ( Zea mays L.); the second to measure dissolution of SCU‐5, SCU‐12, and SCU‐20 in uncropped soil; and the third to compare rates of N, P, and K for corn. Accumulation by and subsequent losses of nutrients from corn tops and roots at three harvest dates were measured. Significant losses of N, P, and K from corn tops or tops + roots fertilized with high rates of N as AN and SCU‐12 or of P and K occurred during growth from 6 to 8 or 9 weeks. These losses were closely associated with reduction in growth rates resulting from depletion of N, P, or K under test. No appreciable nutrient losses occurred from slower growing plants fertilized with SCU‐6. Three SCU products released N in uncropped cultures over a 9‐week period. Leaching of nutrients from corn top growth by guttation, dew, or rain was not a factor in these experiments. Consequently, most of the losses were through the roots. Competition by growth of microorganisms stimulated by root exudates is a probable explanation.