Effects of Nitrogen, Irrigation, and Plant Population
Management on Corn Response and Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency. (S06-yin897650-poster)
Authors:
X. Yin* - Iowa State Univ.
M.M. Al-Kaisi - Iowa State Univ.
Abstract:
Improper N and irrigation management is a major cause to water quality and shortage problems in the Great Plains. This study was conducted in Yuma, CO, from 1998 through 2000 to establish an accurate irrigation and N management system for corn (Zea mays L.) production in the Great Plains aimed at high yields and N and water use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted on a center pivot irrigated well-drained Haxtun sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Pachic Argiustolls) with irrigation rates of 0.60, 0.80, and 1.00 of the estimated evapotranspiration (ET), N fertility rates (30, 140, 250, and 360 kg ha-1, including N from soil, fertilizer, and irrigation water), and plant populations (57,000, 69,000, and 81,000 plants ha-1) as the main plot, split-plot, and split-split-plot treatments, respectively. A combination of 0.80ET to 1.00ET, 140 to 250 kg N ha-1, and 57,000 to 69,000 plants ha-1 population provided optimum corn yields. Irrigation treatment 0.80ET, accompanied by 140 to 250 kg N ha-1, and 57,000 to 69,000 plants ha-1 population was the best management system for optimum water use efficiency. To preserve the Ogallala Aquifer, the best management system aimed at optimum water use efficiency should be used for corn production in the Great Plains region.
Speaker Information: Xinhua Yin, Iowa State Univ., Department of Agronomy Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1010; Phone: 515-294-6834; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 3, 2003, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Presentation Start: 2:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1124) Keywords: corn; yield; nitrogen use efficiency; water use efficiency
