Considering Residual Soil Mineral Nitrogen in Corn Fertilizer Recommendations in an Irrigated Mediterranean Area
2018
Management of nitrogen (N) fertilization for economic crop production in water-stressed areas relies heavily on irrigation. The objectives were to determine the depth distribution of mineral N (Nₘᵢₙ) at pre-plant and post-harvest seasons and assess the residual mineral N pool as a potential source of plant-available N for irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) in southern Turkey. Pre-plant and post-harvest composite soil samples were collected randomly from farmer’s fields at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths, respectively, analyzed for nitrate (NO₃) and ammonium (NH₄) concentrations, and the Nₘᵢₙ values were correlated with corn yields and N uptake. Results showed that substantial amounts of pre-plant (76 to 94 kg Nₘᵢₙ/ha) and post-harvest (70–78 kg Nₘᵢₙ/ha) Nₘᵢₙ accumulation at different soil depths. However, the Nₘᵢₙ did not correlate with crop yields and N uptake. Results suggested that residual Nₘᵢₙ could be the basis for recommending N fertilization to support crop production.
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