In-row tillage methods for subsoil amendment and starter fertilizer application to conservation-tilled grain sorghum |
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Authors: | D.W. Reeves J.H. Edwards C.B. Elkins J.T. Touchton |
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Affiliation: | a USDA-ARS, National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn, AL 36831-0792, U.S.A. b Agronomy and Soils Department and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, AL 36849, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Acid subsoils and tillage pans limit crop yields on sandy soils of the Southern Coastal Plain of the United States. Studies were conducted for 3 years on two soils with acid subsoils and tillage pans to determine the effect of starter fertilizer (22 kg N, 10 kg P ha−1 and fluid lime (1350 kg ha−1) placement with in-row tillage methods on growth and yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grown in a conservation-tillage system. Fertilizer and lime were applied in factorial combinations in the in-row subsoil channel, in a narrow (4-mm) slit 18 cm below the tillage pan (slit-tillage), or 7 cm to the side of the row incorporated 7 cm deep. Slit-tillage was as effective as subsoiling in two of the four tests where plant growth and grain yield responded to deep tillage. Of the other two tests where there was a response to deep tillage, slit-tillage resulted in a 6% decrease in grain yield compared to subsoiling in one test, and an 8% yield increase in the other. Starter fertilizer placement was not critical, but response to starter fertilizer occurred only when deep tillage, either in-row subsoiling or slit-tillage, was used in conjunction with the fertilizer. Starter fertilizer consistently increased early-season plant growth; however, yield response to starter fertilizer was highly dependent on rainfall. Starter fertilizer application increased yield in only one of five tests. There was no benefit from injecting lime. |
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