Nitrogen and Sulfur Effects on the Yield and Quality of Corn Grown for Grain and Silage
1990
O'Leary, M. J. | Rehm, G. W.
Increased fertilizer N rates in combination with reduced levels of atmospheric S raise the potential for needing S in a fertilizer program for corn (Zea mays L.) production in southeast Minnesota. Sulfur fertilization has been shown to improve the quality of some forage crops, but there has been only limited research to measure effects of S fertilization on corn silage quality. This study was conducted to: (i) measure the yield response of corn grown on silt loam soils with a low organic matter content to S fertilization and compare this response to that of corn grown on sandy soils known to be S deficient, and (ii) measure the influence of applied S on feeding value of corn silage. Research was conducted from 1984 through 1987 at 10 sites where four rates of S (0, 10, 20, 40 lb/acre) and four rates of N (0, 75, 150, 225 lb/acre) were combined in a complete factorial with four replications. The rates of S (supplied as CaSO₄) and N (supplied as urea) were broadcast and incorporated before planting. Sulfur application increased grain yield at all sandy sites and at two of eight sites with a silt loam texture. In general, a rate of 10 lb S/acre was adequate for highest yield. Sulfur fertilization had no significant effect on the dry matter produced at any site. There was no N × S interaction for either dry matter or grain yield. Crude protein (CP) concentration of the corn silage was increased by N application but not S. Neither N nor S had a consistent effect on percentages of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the corn silage. These results show that decisions regarding a need for fertilizer S should be based on potential for improved corn yield. There appears to be no benefit for using fertilizer S to improve silage quality.
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