By-Plant Prediction of Corn (Zea mays L.) Grain Yield using Height and Stalk Diameter

Methods for determining midseason nitrogen (N) rates in corn have used the parameter normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and, in some cases, plant height. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of stalk diameter along with predictors of yield, including NDVI and plant height with grain yield. Five site-years of data were analyzed, where several rows of corn plants were selected, and yield from plants within the row was recorded individually. Measurements of stalk diameter, plant height, and NDVI were taken from growth stages V8–VT. Using a value of stalk diameter × plant height gave the best correlation with grain yield (r² = 0.34, 0.55, 0.67; V8, V10, V12, growth stages respectively). This work showed that stalk diameter × plant height was positively correlated with by-plant corn grain yields, and this parameter could be used for refining midseason fertilizer N rates for growth stages V8–V12.     

EFFECT OF DELAYED EMERGENCE ON CORN GRAIN YIELDS

Variable corn emergence results in decreased yields. This study was conducted to determine corn (Zea mays L.) by-plant yield reduction arising from delayed emergence. Treatments included delayed planting of 0, 2, 5, 8, and 12 days at two nitrogen (N) rates. Corn was planted by hand to maintain 17.8 cm plant-to-plant competition. Fifteen plants within a row were divided into five 3-plant sequences (middle plant delayed and 2-adjacent non-delayed plants). Under irrigation, grain yields decreased when the middle plant was delayed 2, 5, 8, and 12 days, by 3, 10, 19, and 25%, respectively. At the rainfed site, grain yields decreased when the middle plant was delayed 2, 5, 8, and 12 days, by 14, 25, 23, and 11%, respectively. Over all sites and years, for each day delay in emergence (one out of every 3 plants), corn grain yields decreased 0.225 to 1.379 Mg ha^?1 day^?1.     

Dedicated to the 100th birthday of Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Eduard von Boguslawski

Identifying the optimum resolution where differences in corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields are detectable could theoretically improve nitrogen (N) management, thereby resulting in economic and environmental benefits for producers and the public at large. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum resolution for prediction of corn grain yield using indirect sensor measurements. Corn rows, 15–30 m long, were randomly selected at three locations where the exact location of each plant was determined. In 2005 and 2006, four of eight rows at each location were fertilized with 150 kg N ha^?1 as urea ammonium nitrate (28% N). A GreenSeeker? optical sensor was used to determine average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) across a range of plants and over fixed distances (20, 40, 45.7, 60, 80, 91.4, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, and 240 cm). Individual corn plants were harvested and grain yield was determined. Correlation of corn grain yield versus NDVI was evaluated over both increasing distances and increasing number of corn plants. Then, the squared correlation coefficients (r_cc ²) from each plot (used as data) were fitted to a linear plateau model for each resolution treatment (fixed distance and number of corn plants). The linear-plateau model coefficient of determination (r_lp ²) was maximized when averaged over every four plants in 2004 and 2006, and over 11 plants in 2005. Likewise, r_lp ² was maximized at a fixed distance of 95, 141, and 87 cm in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Averaged over sites and years, results from this study suggest that in order to treat spatial variability at the correct scale, the linear fixed distances should likely be <87 cm or <4 plants as an optimum resolution for detecting early-season differences in yield potential and making management decisions based on this resolution.     

Defining Useful Limits for Spectral Reflectance Measures in Corn

Recent work has shown that spectral measurements from a corn (Zea mays L.) canopy can be used to reliably predict differences in growth and nutrient status. Most researchers have found that the accuracy of this assessment increases as the season progresses. In contrast, real differences upon which to base management decisions need to be measured as early in the season as possible due to the time restrictions associated with fertilizer and chemical application equipment and weather. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the relationship between Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) measurements and corn biomass and grain yield and to define upper and lower limits for effectively using NDVI measurements to make in-season management decisions in corn. Forage biomass and grain yield from eight field studies conducted in the Coastal Plain of Virginia in 2005 were compared to indirect measures of spectral reflectance and leaf area index (LAI). The NDVI was well correlated with vegetative forage biomass (R² = 0.81) and LAI (R² = 0.90) within the range 0.27 to 0.82. This range in NDVI values corresponds to 166 to 485 cumulative growing degree days (GDD), and a resultant developmental window of V5 to V9 when NDVI measurement are most useful and appropriate for making in-season management decisions for corn production.     

NITROGEN FERTILIZATION OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM BASED ON IN-SEASON ESTIMATES OF YIELD AND PLANT NITROGEN UPTAKE

Current methods of determining nitrogen (N) fertilization rates in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are based on farmer projected yield goals and fixed N removal rates per unit of grain produced. This work reports on an alternative method of determining fertilizer N rates using estimates of early-season plant N uptake and potential yield determined from in-season spectral measurements collected between January and April. Reflectance measurements under daytime lighting in the red and near infrared regions of the spectra were used to compute the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Using a modified daytime lighting reflectance sensor, early-season plant N uptake between Feekes physiological growth stages 4 (leaf sheaths lengthen) through 6 (first node of stem visible) was found to be highly correlated with NDVI. Further analyses showed that dividing the NDVI sensor measurements between Feekes growth stages 4 and 6, by the days from planting to sensing date was highly correlated with final grain yield. This in-season estimate of yield (INSEY) was subsequently used to compute the potential N that could be removed in the grain. In-season N fertilization needs were then considered to be equal to the amount of predicted grain N uptake (potential yield times grain N) minus predicted early-season plant N uptake (at the time of sensing), divided by an efficiency factor of 0.70. This method of determining in-season fertilizer need has been shown to decrease large area N rates while also increasing wheat grain yields when each 1m² area was sensed and treated independently.     

基于多源时序NDVI的稀土矿区土地毁损与恢复过程分析

为分析稀土开采的时空分布及矿区土地毁损与恢复过程,该文以岭北稀土矿区为例,以1990—2016年的HJ-1B CCD、Landsat 5和Landsat 8遥感数据为数据源,结合回归分析法、遥感时序NDVI分析方法,对岭北稀土矿区的稀土开采状况及土地毁损与恢复情况进行分析。为减少不同数据由于传感器自身原因而带来的NDVI误差,采用回归分析法构建HJ-1B CCD、Landsat5/8数据的NDVI转换方程并利用均方根误差对转换方程的精度进行检验。结果表明:HJ-1B CCD、Landsat5/8数据的NDVI影像对应转换方程的R2值均超过0.9以及模拟影像与真实影像之间的均方根误差值均小于0.05,说明HJ-1B CCD、Landsat5/8的NDVI数据之间存在较为显著的线性正相关,所求的转换方程具有较高精度,可以消除数据来源差异对NDVI的影响;稀土开采时空分布分析表明岭北稀土矿区在2001—2004年、2006年的开采面积较大,均超过1 km~2,其中2006的开采面积最大,达到2.546 1 km~2;稀土开采在空间分布上较为分散,不仅增加了监管的困难,造成了资源的浪费,还一定程度上增加了治理困难;土地毁损与恢复分析表明受到人为扰动的区域占矿区总面积的54.59%,其中受森林砍伐扰动影响的面积最大,为86.5341 km~2;稀土开采扰动的土地面积为11.354 4 km~2,其植被恢复的平均加权时长为11年。其中复垦恢复的面积为5.004 9 km~2,仍有6.349 5 km~2的区域植被未恢复,急需治理。该研究能较好的反映稀土干扰下的土地毁损与恢复过程,为岭北稀土矿区的生态环境治理及矿区的可持续发展提供借鉴。     

Influence of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Corn Growth Under Different Fertility Sources

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on root establishment and biomass production of corn (Zea mays L.) using three fertility sources (poultry litter (PL), biosolids, and urea). Applying PL significantly improved root morphological parameters and increased plant biomass at the V4, V6, and VT growth stages when compared to the other fertility sources. At the V4 stage, PGPR stimulated root growth and enhanced aboveground biomass with urea and PL, while no differences were observed with biosolids. At the V6 stage, PL, biosolids, and urea with PGPR significantly increased some growth parameters (e.g., plant height, leaf area, and root morphology). However, at the VT stage, PGPR’s influence on plant growth was minimal regardless of fertility source. Applying the fertility sources at 135 kg N ha^?1 may have masked PGPR’s influence on corn growth as the plants reached their later vegetative growth stages.     

Prediction of maize (Zea mays L.) population using normalized-difference vegetative index (NDVI) and coefficient of variation (CV)

The process of improving crop management inputs by use of remote sensing devices is a new technology. This study presents the use of the normalized-difference vegetative index (NDVI) combined with the coefficient of variation (CV) to predict plant populations in corn (Zea mays L.) over different growth stages and different locations. About 76 plots were selected from the two sites to conduct this research. The results showed that we were not able to reliably predict plant population at lately growth stages because the canopy covered the soil with overlapping leaves. However, at early growth stages, the results suggest that as the corn plant emerged from the soil, the biomass per unit area was small and the sensor technology application for prediction of plant population was possible. Further studies may be designed based on this observation to investigate the possibility at early growth stages such as V2 and V3.     

卧辊式摘穗机构摘穗辊高度差对玉米籽粒损失的影响

针对卧辊式摘穗装置存在的玉米籽粒损失严重、含杂率高等问题,该文通过理论分析和台架试验相结合的方法对摘穗过程中两辊高度差对玉米损伤的影响及趋势进行了分析。单因素试验和方差分析表明,θ(两辊轴线垂直的平面内,两辊中心连线与水平面的夹角用θ表示)对玉米籽粒损失率有显著的影响(P0.05)。θ在24°~30°范围内,玉米平均籽粒损失率呈现明显的下降趋势,θ在30°时玉米平均籽粒损失率最小,3次试验的平均籽粒损失为0.242%~0.483%;θ在33°、36°时,籽粒损失率较小,且相差不大。利用高速摄像技术对摘穗过程分析发现,θ较小时,果穗滞留摘穗辊和"弹跳"现象是造成果穗二次损伤的主要原因;θ较大时,玉米植株喂入困难,玉米秸秆弯曲严重甚至折断。为此,提出了在低位辊上安装弧形隔板的优化方案,试验验证表明,果穗通过弧形隔板滚动出摘穗区域,避免了低位辊对果穗的损伤,有效降低了玉米果穗的啃伤和籽粒损失率。该研究为卧辊式玉米摘穗装置的优化改进提供了参考。     

Fertilizer Bands Affect Early Growth of Corn

Nitrogen (N) applied in bands across cornfields often induces differences in plant height, leaf color, and growth stage of corn (Zea mays L.). Especially during wet springs, plants growing immediately over the bands are often noticeably taller and greener for a short period. Plants growing between the bands experience N deficiency until their roots reach the bands. The impacts of such short periods of N deficiency on plant early growth have received little attention. We studied the effects of tracks left by fertilizer applicator on corn growth stage, plant height, and leaf chlorophyll meter readings (CMRs) in a field where conditions seemed favorable for a fertilizer-induced advancement in growth stage. Measurements showed that the reduced plant height or leaf color attributable to a temporary N deficiency was mainly associated with the delay of growth stages and might have little influence on final grain yield.     

Influence of Yellow Foxtail on Corn Growth and Yield

Abstract

Yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila syn. Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv.] competitive influence on corn (Zea mays L.) growth and yield was investigated at Brookings, South Dakota, and Morris, Minnesota, in 1995 and 1996. Yellow foxtail was seeded at different densities, and at Morris, two levels of nitrogen (N) were applied. Corn biomass measured at V‐6 or V‐8, silking, and harvest and grain yield were correlated negatively to foxtail biomass and density, but the loss differed between years and sites. Nitrogen increased corn growth and decreased yield loss. Defining a single foxtail density or biomass that resulted in a maximum yield loss of 10% was not possible. The most conservative estimate was 3 yellow foxtail plants m^?2 or 24 g m^?2 of yellow foxtail biomass, but ranged up to 55 plants m^?2 and 256 g m^?2 when weather conditions and N were optimal.     

Required number of corn and soybean plants sampled necessary to determine the elemental content of their leaves at specific accuracy and confidence levels

Abstract

A maximum crop yield depends upon a balanced supply of the 16 essential elements throughout the growth cycle. Achieving this balance can often be achieved by plant analysis guided fertilizer treatments. Sampling is the first step when conducting a plant analysis. An extensive survey of the literature revealed a lack of published research that statistically determined what number of plants must be sampled in order to obtain a representative sample. In our study, we utilized three field research sites in South Dakota, two locations planted to soybean (Glycine max L.) [Experiments 1 and 2] and the other to corn (Zea mays L.) [Experiment 3]. Ninety six plants were sampled at each site, collecting leaf tissue. After the leaf samples were collected, dried, and ground, they were analyzed for their N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn content. Stein's equation, n = t²s²/d², was used to estimate the number of plants required to be sampled in order to obtain a given level of precision and accuracy for each element. Our results indicate that the number of plants to be sampled in order to estimate the population mean for the elements assayed are 16 and 34 for soybean and corn, respectively.     

On‐farm comparison of variable rates of nitrogen with uniform application to maize on canopy reflectance,soil nitrate,and grain yield

Recent development in canopy optical‐sensing technology provides the opportunity to apply fertilizer variably at the field scale according to spatial variation in plant growth. A field experiment was conducted in Ottawa, Canada, for two consecutive years to determine the effect of fertilizer nitrogen (N) input at variable‐ vs. uniform‐application strategies at the V6–V8 growth stage, on soil mineral N, canopy reflectance, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The variable N rates were calculated using an algorithm derived from readings of average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of about 0.8 m × 4.6 m, and N fertilizer was then applied to individual patches of the same size of NDVI readings (0.8 m × 4.6 m) within a plot (2184 m²). Canopy reflectance, expressed as NDVI, was monitored with a hand‐held spectrometer, twice weekly before tasseling and once a week thereafter until physiological maturity. Soil mineral N (0–30 cm depth) was analyzed at the V6 and VT growth stages. Our data show that both variable and uniform‐application strategies for N side‐dressings based on canopy‐reflectance mapping data required less amount of N fertilizer (with an average rate of 80 kg N ha^–1 as side‐dressing in addition to 30 kg N ha^–1 applied at planting), and produced grain yields similar to and higher nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) than the preplant fully fertilized (180 kg N ha^–1) treatment. No difference was observed in either grain yield or NUE between the variable‐ and uniform‐application strategies. Compared to unfertilized or fully fertilized treatments, the enhancements in grain yield and NUE of the variable‐rate strategy originated from the later N input as side‐dressing rather than the variation in N rates. The variable‐rate strategy resulted in less spatial variations in soil mineral N at the VT growth stage and greater spatial variations in grain yield at harvest than the uniform‐rate strategy. Both variable‐ and uniform‐application strategies reduced spatial variations in soil mineral N at the VT stage and grain yield compared to the unfertilized treatment. The variable‐rate strategy resulted in more sampling points with high soil mineral N than the uniform‐rate strategy at the VT stage.     

Effect of microbial‐based inoculants on nutrient concentrations and early root morphology of corn (Zea mays)

Microbial‐based inoculants have been reported to stimulate plant growth and nutrient uptake. However, their effect may vary depending on the growth stage when evaluated or fertilizer applied. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that microbial‐based inoculants known to promote root growth and nutrient uptake will promote plant growth, enhance early root development, and increase nutrient concentrations of corn (Zea mays L.). Plants were evaluated at four different growth stages and in the presence of three different nitrogen (N) fertilizers. The microbial‐based treatments evaluated were: SoilBuilder™ (SB), a filtered metabolite extract of SoilBuilder™ (SBF), a mixture of four strains of plant growth‐promoting Bacillus spp (BM), and a water‐inoculated control. The experiment also included four fertilizer treatments: urea (U), urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN), calcium‐ammonium nitrate (CAN), and an unfertilized control. Corn plants were evaluated at growth stages V2, V4, V6, and VT. Plant growth parameters for biomass, height, and SPAD readings were enhanced by the three microbial‐based treatments. A greater effect of microbial‐based treatments was observed when plants were evaluated at V6 and VT stages. Parameters of early root development such as total root length (TRL), root surface area (RSA), and length of fine roots were enhanced when microbial‐based treatments were applied. Concentrations of N, P, and K were also increased by microbial‐based treatments compared to the non‐inoculated control. Increases in plant N concentration due to microbial‐based treatments were on average 72% for CAN, 61% for UAN, 72% for urea, and 54% for the unfertilized control. Phosphorus concentration was increased most (138%) when BM was applied with CAN. In the same way, when CAN was present, K concentration was increased by 95% with BM and 65% when SB and SBF were applied. Overall, the results demonstrate that microbial‐based inoculants evaluated in this study can positively impact corn growth and nutrient concentration, especially during the late vegetative stages. Furthermore, the results indicate that the enhancement of nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K) in this case was related to the capacity of microbial‐based treatments to impact root morphology at early stages of corn growth.     

不同氮肥减施量下玉米针叶豌豆间作体系的产量及效益

  【目的】  通过探讨河西绿洲灌区氮肥减施对玉米针叶豌豆间作体系产量及肥料贡献率的影响,为玉米针叶豌豆间作体系氮素资源高效管理提供理论依据。  【方法】  研究基于2011年设置在武威绿洲灌区的玉米间作针叶豌豆长期田间定位试验。不施肥和习惯施肥 (N100) 处理为单作玉米,施用习惯氮肥量95%、90%、85%、80%和0%处理为玉米间作针叶豌豆。调查了2014—2019年玉米针叶豌豆间作体系产量、产量构成要素、经济效益、氮肥偏生产力、氮肥农学利用率和氮肥肥料贡献率。  【结果】  玉米针叶豌豆间作种植具有明显的增产优势,而且这种增产优势随种植年限的延长呈增加趋势。在85%常规氮肥用量条件下,玉米籽粒产量与N100基本相当,差异不显著,虽然玉米株高和茎粗会受到明显抑制,穗位和穗位比下降明显,但是成穗数、穗粒数和百粒重却无明显变化,同时因为增收了1419 kg/hm2针叶豌豆干草和1637 kg/hm2针叶豌豆籽粒,合计收益增加3813元/hm2,增幅明显,而且氮肥偏生产力和氮肥农学利用率显著提高,氮肥肥料贡献率除2019年显著降低外,其余年份无明显变化。在80%常规氮肥用量条件下,玉米籽粒产量显著降低,降幅达8.77%,但是同样因为可以增收1438 kg/hm2针叶豌豆干草和1569 kg/hm2针叶豌豆籽粒,合计收益增加2098元/hm2,增幅明显,氮肥偏生产力显著提高,增幅达14.04%,氮肥农学利用率无明显变化,但是玉米的成穗数、穗粒数、百粒重、株高、茎粗、穗位、穗长、穗粗、氮肥肥料贡献率等降幅均达到显著水平。  【结论】  在河西绿洲灌区,长期进行玉米间作针叶豌豆,在玉米季减少15%的化学氮肥施用量不会造成玉米减产,由于同时收获了针叶豌豆干草和籽粒,整个体系收益提高,氮肥效率显著增加。在玉米季减少20%的化学氮肥施用量虽然会造成玉米减产,氮肥肥料贡献率下降,但是同样因为增收了针叶豌豆干草和籽粒,整个体系收益提高,氮肥偏生产力显著增加。     

Leaf and canopy optical characteristics as crop‐N‐status indicators for field nitrogen management in corn

The primary constraint of predicting the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) for corn (Zea mays L.) is the high variability of soil nitrogen (N) supply due to environments, soil types, manure, and cropping histories. Portable instruments have been developed to measure leaf and canopy optical characteristics for determining plant N status. The objectives of this field study were to: (1) evaluate leaf and canopy optical properties including transmittance, reflectance, and fluorescence as indicators of corn N status with soil types, developmental stages, and N‐application rates, (2) compare the efficiency of two commercial radiometers that are designed to measure canopy reflectance, and (3) assess the constraints of these crop‐based indicators as a possible guide for real‐time N sidedressing in corn. Field experiments with different levels of N, soil types, and corn hybrids were conducted at three sites in Ottawa, ON, Canada, in 2004 and 2005. Leaf chlorophyll concentrations (SPAD chlorophyll meter), chlorophyll fluorescence (OS‐30), leaf area, and canopy reflectance (NDVI measured by CropScan and GreenSeeker radiometers) were simultaneously measured at several growth stages, while grain yield was determined at harvest. Our results show that canopy reflectance (NDVI) displayed similar efficiency as an indicator of N status on both soil types and corn hybrids in the two consecutive years. The chlorophyll readings often differentiated N‐deficient from N‐sufficient plots and therefore were a promising indicator for predicting corn N requirements. The fluorometer device evaluated in this study was unable to characterize corn N status.     

Presidedress soil nitrogen test for corn in Virginia

Abstract

The presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and the presidedress tissue nitrogen test (PTNT) have been developed to assess residual soil nitrogen (N) sufficiency for corn (Zea mays L.) in the humid eastern U.S. We conducted field studies at 47 sites during 1990 and 1991 to evaluate the use of the PSNT and PTNT for corn in Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Ridge and Valley regions of Virginia. Seven rates of fertilizer N (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, and 270 kg/ha) were applied at corn height of 0.40 to 0.50 m and replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Whole corn plants and soil to a depth of 0.30 m were sampled when corn height was 0.15 to 0.30 m to estimate available soil N prior to the application of fertilizer N treatments. Corn grain yield response to fertilizer N was used to assess residual soil N availability. Nitrogen concentration of whole corn plants at 0.15 to 0.30 m height was not an accurate indicator of plant‐available soil N. Corn yields were maximized without sidedress N at the 19 sites where soil NO₃‐N was at least 18 mg‐kg^‐1 and at the 17 sites where soil (NO₃+NH₄)‐N was at least 22 mg‐kg^‐1. The PSNT predicted corn N sufficiency regardless of soil physiographic region or surface texture; however, the critical values for NO₃‐N and (NO₃+NH₄)‐N were 3 to 5 mg‐kg^‐1 lower than those established in Pennsylvania and Maryland, where cooler soil temperatures may permit greater residence time of inorganic N.     

Mid-Season Prediction of Wheat-Grain Yield Potential Using Plant,Soil, and Sensor Measurements

ABSTRACT

The components that define cereal-grain yield potential have not been well defined. The objective of this study was to collect many differing biological measurements from a long-term winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) study in an attempt to better define yield potential. Four treatments were sampled that annually received 0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha^?1 at fixed rates of phosphorus (P) (30 kg ha^?1) and potassium (K) (37 kg ha^?1). Mid-season measurements of leaf color, chlorophyll, normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), plant height, canopy temperature, tiller density, plant density, soil moisture, soil NH₄-N, NO₃-N, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), pH, and N mineralization potential were collected. In addition, soil texture and bulk density were determined to characterize each plot. Correlations and multiple linear-regression analyses were used to determine those variables that can predict final winter wheat grain yield. Both the correlation and regression analyses suggested mid-season NDVI, chlorophyll content, plant height, and total N uptake to be good predictors of final winter wheat grain yield.     

半干旱区模拟降雨下沟垄集雨种植对夏玉米生产影响

在人工模拟降雨条件下研究了不同降雨量沟垄集雨种植对夏玉米(Zea Mays L.)个体发育、生物量积累及产量的影响。结果表明，沟垄集雨种植处理后，夏玉米生育期提前，株高和叶面积显著增加(p<0.05)，在230、340和440 mm降雨量下玉米总生物量比平作分别提高44.71％、28.51％和7.58％；230 mm和340 mm降雨量下，单株籽粒产量比平作分别提高了75.40％和36.70％，穗长分别增加了25.30％和16.00％，穗粒数分别增加了59.30％和29.20％，230 mm降雨量下，玉米穗粗和千粒重比平作分别增加了11.40％和10.30％；440 mm降雨量下籽粒产量与平作相比差异不明显。     

Corn forage yield and chemical composition as influenced by sulfur fertilization

Abstract

Soil sulfur (S) deficiency for plant growth has become an increasing problem in the United States. A field experiment was conducted to investigate effects of fertilization with 0 and 67 kg S/ha as a single or split application, in a Latin square design, on corn (Zea mays L.) forage yield and chemical composition. Sulfur fertilization by either method increased yield of whole plant and grain 7% and increased number of plants with two ears. Total S and sulfate‐S concentration in whole corn plants, leaf, stem, and grain were increased with S fertilization. The nitrogen (N):SO₄‐S ratio was a useful indicator of S deficiency.