Corn growth response to K fertilization on three compacted soils

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the response of corn (Zea mays L.) to K fertilization on Kewaunee silty clay loam, Plainfield loamy sand, and Plano silt loam soils compacted to two bulk density levels. Treatments were established in a factorial combination of two soil bulk density levels, three soil K levels, with and without banded placement of K. Increasing soil bulk density did not affect the height growth of the corn on any soil, but did increase shoot dry matter weight on the Kewaunee soil. Root dry matter was reduced by increased soil bulk density on the Kewaunee soil. The shoot/ root ratio was greater at the higher bulk density on all soils. Increasing soil K increased the shoot dry matter content on all soils and increased root dry matter content on the Kewaunee and Plano soils. The banded K treatment did not affect height growth or dry matter accumulation. Shoot K concentration was reduced at the higher soil bulk density on the Kewaunee and Plano soils. Both methods of K application increased the K concentration of the shoots on all soils.