Abstract
Sulfur fertilization has historically been recommended for corn (Zea mays L.) production in Minnesota only for only coarsetextured soils. In fields where medium or fine-textured soils and spatial variation exist, plants have shown chlorosis symptoms indicative of S deficiency. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of fluid fertilizer combinations containing N, P, and S on early nutrient uptake, corn grain yield, and nutrient removal, and to evaluate various soil factors for predicting S need within fields. Field trials were conducted at four locations, one with a sandy soil and three locations with finer soil textures. Pre-plant broadcast S was compared with liquid starter N and NP combinations applied with and without S 5 cm beside and below the seed row. Yield was increased by S at two locations. Yield response was not related to soil test SO4-S and decreased with increasing soil organic matter (SOM) concentration. Yield response was greatest when SOM concentration was <20 g kg-1 (0-15 cm), less between 20 and 40 g kg-1, and was not increased when >40 g kg-1. Starter treatments with P consistently increased early plant growth and nutrient uptake and S treatments increased S removal in the grain. The data indicates that when S is applied it can be taken up by corn in greater quantities that are needed for increasing or maintaining grain yield. However, if enough S is available following mineralization from SOM then applied fertilizer S will not benefit yield.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 401-411 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Agronomy Journal |
Volume | 105 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright:Copyright 2013 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.