Research Into Nitrogen Application Methods

Study Investigating The Efficiency Of Nutrisphere-N On Soil Nitrate-Nitrogen Levels In Dryland Corn Fields

This research evaluates the effects of different nitrogen (N) application methods and rates, specifically using Nutrisphere-N polymer, on soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) levels in dryland corn fields in Blackville, South Carolina. The study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 with soil samples taken at various depths after corn harvest and analysed for nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content.

The results show that the use of Nutrisphere-N polymer in split applications at a rate of 180 kg N/ha improved nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration by 29.8% at the 0-15 cm depth compared to uncoated fertiliser. At a rate of 90 kg N/ha applied at planting, Nutrisphere-N increased nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration by 44.7% at the 15-30 cm depth. Similarly, at various N application rates in split applications (45 kg, 90 kg, 135 kg, and 180 kg N/ha), Nutrisphere-N enhanced soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content by 26.2%, 36.1%, 28.0%, and 17.3% respectively, at the 15-30 cm depth.

Furthermore, Nutrisphere-N resulted in improvements in soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration at other depths as well. For instance, at the 30-45 cm depth, it increased nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration by 40.1% and 31.6% at N rates of 90 kg and 135 kg/ha respectively, compared to the uncoated treatment. At the 45-60 cm depth, Nutrisphere-N increased soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content by 36.9% at 135 kg N/ha applied at planting, and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration improved by 33.9% and 34.9% at N rates of 135 kg and 180 kg/ha respectively, in split applications. At the 60-75 cm depth, Nutrisphere-N decreased soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content by 22.0% at 180 kg N/ha applied at planting, but increased it by 37.5% and 59.9% with split N applications of 90 kg and 135 kg/ha respectively. Additionally, at the 75-90 cm depth, Nutrisphere-N increased soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration by 30.6% compared to untreated fertiliser at 135 kg N/ha in split applications.

Overall, the study demonstrates that the application of Nutrisphere-N polymer helped to reduce soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) losses, particularly at certain depths and nitrogen (N) rates.

For more information on this research, visit this link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288167625_Evaluation_of_nitrogen_application_methods_andrates_with_nutrisphere-n_on_soil_nitrate-nitrogen_in_southeastern_coastal_plains