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Use of soil nitrogen parameters and texture for spatially-variable nitrogen fertilization

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Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential importance of using soil texture to modify fertilizer N recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine (i) if surface clay content can be used as an auxiliary variable for estimating spatial variability of soil NO3–N, and (ii) if this information is useful for variable rate N fertilization of non-irrigated corn [Zea mays (L.)] in south central Texas, USA across years. A 64 ha corn field with variable soil type and N fertility level was used for this study during 2004–2007. Plant and surface and sub-surface soil samples were collected at different grid points and analyzed for yield, soil N parameters and texture. A uniform rate (UR) of 120 kg N ha−1 in 2004 and variable rates (VAR) of 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1 in 2005 through 2007 were applied to different sites in the field. Distinct yield variation was observed over this time period. Yield and soil surface clay content and soil N parameters were strongly spatially structured. Corn grain yield was positively related to residual NO3–N with depth and either negatively or positively related to clay content depending on precipitation. Residual NO3–N to 0.60 and 0.90 m depths was more related to corn yield than from shallower depths. The relationship of clay content with soil NO3–N was weak and not temporally stable. Yield response to N rate also varied temporally. Supply of available N with depth, soil texture and growing season precipitation determined proper N management for this field.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil and Crop Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2474, USA

    H. Shahandeh & F. M. Hons

  2. Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 32 00E. Pal Beach Road, Belle Glade, FL, 33430-4702, USA

    A. L. Wright

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  1. H. Shahandeh
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  2. A. L. Wright
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  3. F. M. Hons
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Correspondence to H. Shahandeh.

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Shahandeh, H., Wright, A.L. & Hons, F.M. Use of soil nitrogen parameters and texture for spatially-variable nitrogen fertilization. Precision Agric 12, 146–163 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-010-9163-8

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