Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: High soil test phosphorus effect on corn yield

Data files

Oct 17, 2018 version files 2.35 MB

Click names to download individual files

Abstract

Phosphorus removal in crop harvest has increased as yields have increased. Fertilizer P use guidelines are based on calibrations often developed for much lower yield levels and may need recalibration. Corn yields may be greater with higher than recommended soil test P when springs are relatively wet and cool. Research was conducted across 12 irrigated and five rainfed siteyr in Nebraska with initial Bray-1 P ≤ 11 mg kg–1 to evaluate P application strategies for yield and P uptake of continuous corn (Zea mays L.) with and without tillage. The fertilizer P treatments were maintained on the same plots and included: (i) no P applied (0P); (ii) P applied according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln deficiency correction recommendation (UNL_P); (iii) P applied to replace P removed in the previous harvest (Replace_P); (iv) Bray-1 P increased and maintained at 25 mg kg–1 (Bray_25); and (v) Bray-1 P increased and maintained at 35 mg kg–1 (Bray_35). Interactions of P practice with other factors were not significant indicating consistency of P practice effects across varied climate conditions near planting and plant emergence. Grain yield was 9.3% and 0.89 Mg ha–1 more with the P-applied treatments compared with 0P. Grain yield was 3.3% more due to the additional 5.9 kg ha–1 yr–1 P applied with Replace_P compared with UNL_P. Grain yield did not differ for Replace-P, Bray_25, and Bray_35. Plant P uptake was on average linearly increased by 0.27 kg kg–1 P applied. Fertilizer P application for continuous corn should be by Replace_P.