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Corn Uptake and Soil Accumulation of Nitrogen: Management and Hybrid Effects

Univ. of Nebraska, South Central Research and Extension Center, Box 66, Clay Center, NE 68933

J. S. Schepers

USDA-ARS, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583

G. W. Hergert

Univ. of Nebraska, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE 69101

R. D. Lohry

Nutra-Flo Company, 1919 Grand Ave., Sioux City, IA 51107

* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Inefficient use of fertilizer N by corn (Zea mays L.) can result in the accumulation of excessive amounts of NO^-₃ subject to leaching losses in the crop root zone. The fate of fertilizer N as influenced by N rate, nitrapyrin [2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine], and corn hybrid was evaluated in a 3-yr study with sprinkler-irrigated corn. Variables were fertilizer-N rate (75, 150, and 300 kg N/ha); nitrapyrin (0 and 0.5 kg/ha); and corn hybrid (Pioneer hybrids 3377, 3475, and 3551). Nitrogen was applied as late-sidedressed (V6-V9) NH₃. The fate of fertilizer N was evaluated by measurement of apparent fertilizer-N uptake (AFU), form of N in the fertilizer band prior to and following anthesis, and accumulation and distribution of N in the soil profile. There were no significant effects of hybrid on AFU across years, and no significant hybrid x nitrapyrin interactions on AFU. Nitrapyrin significantly reduced AFU across N rates and hybrids in 2 of 3 yr. Nitrate-N concentrations in the fertilizer band, in the presence of nitrapyrin, were reduced prior to anthesis in 1986. Higher NH⁺₄-N concentrations in the fertilizer band in 1986, as well as trends towards higher total inorganic-N concentrations all 3 yr following anthesis, suggest mineralization of temporarily immobilized fertilizer NH⁺₄. Reduced AFU in the presence of nitrapyrin in 1986 and 1987 indicates reduced availability of fertilizer N consistent with a temporary immobilization process. Nitrate accumulation in the soil to a depth of 1.8 m after three growing seasons indicates a trend toward less NO^-₃ accumulation where nitrapyrin was applied at N rates of 75 and 150 kg/ha. Nitrate concentrations in the soil at a depth of 1.8 m were significantly greater at the 150 and 300 kg N/ha rates, compared with the 75 kg N/ha rate or unfertilized soil, indicating probable movement of fertilizer N below the 1.8-m depth at the higher rates. These results indicate that nitrapyrin should not be applied with NH₃ at late-sidedress time for this soil.

Partial support provided by grants from the Burlington Northern Foundation, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and the Dow Chemical Company. Published as Paper no. 9449, Journal Series, Nebraska Agric. Res. Division.

Received for publication June 20, 1990.

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