Yield and nitrogen content of corn under different tillage practices
1999
Mehdi, B.B. | Madramootoo, C.A. | Mehuys, G.R.
The objective of the study was to determine whether tillage and residue practices have a significant effect on the yield and N content of corn (Zea mays L.) under nonlimiting soil N conditions. Nitrate leaching has been identified as a source of non-point-source pollution. By identifying tillage practices which maximize corn N uptake, recommendations can be based on how to minimize N loss. A 2-year field study was conducted in southwestern Quebec on a 2.4-ha site of a Typic Endoaquent (Humic Gleysol) cropped to corn. Three types of tillage practice (conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-till) were combined with two residue levels (with and without) in a randomized complete block design. The effect of these practices on corn yield and corn N were studied. Seedling emergence rates in spring, and corn moisture content at harvest, were also monitored. Residues hindered initial plant emergence in the no-till plots. Corn N and moisture contents in 1996 and 1997 indicated that no-till with residue had a delayed maturity relative to the other treatments. However, total corn biomass and grain yields were not affected by tillage or residue treatments. No correlation between corn yield and corn N content was found.
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