Efficiency and response of sunflower to rate and timing of banded nitrogen

Abstract

Nitrogen use efficiency and response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to timing and rate of surface banded N was characterized in a split‐plot 4x2 factorial experiment. Nitrogen rates (main plots) were 0, 34, 67, and 134 kg ha^‐1 at Mississippi State and 0, 45, 90 and 180 kg ha^‐1 at Brooksville, MS. Nitrogen, applied as NH₄NO₃, was surface banded either at planting or at the four leaf stage (subplot). Seed yield was significantly influenced by rate of N application at both locations. Seed yield showed a quadratic response at Mississippi State and a Mitscherlich‐type response at Brooksville. Maximum seed yields of 2606 and 2380 kg ha^‐1 were obtained at the respective sites. Sunflower responded to N fertilizer application when inorganic N content of the soil to 60 cm depth at planting was less than 50 kg ha^‐1. Nitrogen efficiency was influenced by rate and timing of application, exhibiting exponential declines with increasing N rates. Fertilizer losses at the highest rates of applied N were 19 and 52% at Mississippi State and Brooksville, respectively. Clay‐fixed NH^⁺ accounted for 26% of the applied N fertilizer loss at Brooksville. Nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and recommendations for sunflower could be improved if initial soil inorganic N is taken into account.