Impact of Banded Potassium on Crop Yield and Soil Potassium in Ridge-Till Planting
2004
Adequate application of fertilizer K has been identified as a key management practice needed to achieve optimum production in a ridge-till planting system. However, the impact of K fertilization frequency has not been documented. Additionally, banded application of K also raises questions about the correct procedure to be followed for collection of soil samples. This study was conducted in the fields of three farmers who used the ridge-till planting system for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in rotation. Potassium was applied in a subsurface band in the center of existing ridges in the fall of Year 1 before corn and Year 2 before soybean at rates of 0, 18.5, 37.0, 55.5, and 74.0 kg ha⁻¹ To measure the effect of residual K on soybean yield, the rates were doubled and applied only once (before Year 1). Grain yield of both corn and soybean at all sites was not affected by K application. Potassium uptake by young corn plants was increased by K rate, but uptake was not related to yield. Potassium use had no significant effect on K concentration in the most recently matured soybean trifoliate leaves sampled at early bloom. At two sites, banded K produced changes in soil test K to a depth of 15.0 cm at a distance to 15.0 cm from the row.
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