Plot Size Requirements for Measuring Residual Fertilizer Nitrogen and Nitrogen Uptake by Corn
- 1 March 1980
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Soil Science Society of America Journal
- Vol. 44 (2) , 428-429
- https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1980.03615995004400020045x
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to ascertain the minimum size of unconfined plot that can be used to measure accurately residual fertilizer N and to measure N taken up by corn (Zea mays L.) from broadcast N fertilizer. Large plots were fertilized with 15N‐enriched (NH4)2SO4 and plant samples were taken from different places within plots. Samples of grain and stover taken 36 cm from two edges of the plots contained significantly less N derived from fertilizer than plants 107 or 154 to 202 cm from edges.Accurate values for plant uptake of fertilizer N could be obtained by sampling the center plant of 3‐row plots at least 214 cm long and 71 cm apart. Plots should be larger if several plants are to be sampled. It appears larger plots are needed also to determine residual fertilizer N in the soil.This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: