Abstract

Long-term research shows that phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer must be applied to optimize production of irrigated corn in western Kansas. In 2019, N applied alone increased yields by 71 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields 10 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 131 bu/a, which is 10 bu/a less than the 10-year average of 141 bu/a. Application of 120 lb N/a (with highest P rate) produced 97% of maximum yield in 2019, which is slightly greater than the 10-year average. Application of 80 instead of 40 lb P₂O₅/a increased average yields 4 bu/a. Average grain N content reached a maximum of 0.6 lb/bu while grain P content reached a maximum of 0.15 lb/bu (0.34 lb P₂O₅/bu). At the highest N and P rate, apparent fertilizer nitrogen recovery in the grain (AFNR_g) was 41% and apparent fertilizer phosphorus recovery in the grain (AFPR_g) was 60%.

Keywords: long-term nitrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, irrigated corn, fertilizer

How to Cite:

Schlegel, A. & Bond, H. D., (2020) “Long-Term Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization of Irrigated Corn”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 6(8). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7959