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 2017, N applied alone increased yields by 70 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields by less than 10 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 130 bu/a. This is 10 bu/a less than the 10-year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 140 bu/a. Application of 120 lb/a N (with highest P rate) produced 93% of maximum yield in 2017, which is similar to the 10-year average. Application of 80 instead of 40 lb P₂O₅/a increased average yields 10 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 42% and apparent fertilizer phosphorus recovery in the grain (AFPR_g) was 61%.

Keywords: irrigated corn, nitrogen and fertilization of irrigated corn, long-term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

How to Cite:

Schlegel, A. & Bond, H. D., (2018) “Long-Term Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization of Irrigated Corn”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 4(8). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7637