Crop Recovery and Nitrification of Fall and Spring Applied Anhydrous Ammonia1

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Abstract
To evaluate the relative agronomic efficiency of and potential NO3, pollution by fall and spring applied anhydrous NH3, N uptake and yield response by corn, and detailed sampling of the NH3, bands were conducted. Nitrogen significantly increased grain yield and N uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) on a Plano sil (0.216% N) and a Pella loam (0.447% N) in south central Wisconsin. There were no differences between fall and spring application of N. Crop recovery of applied N depended on soil type and rate of application, and at most amounted to 40% of the N applied. Depending on rate of application, from 68 to 86% of the fall‐applied NH3, was nitrified before mid‐May. Nitrite accumulated within both fall and spring applied bands, the highest concentrations being detected in early spring within fall applied bands. Persistence of NO2 was more prolonged on a neutral than on a slightly acid soil. Accumulation of NO2 must be considered undesirable because of possible phytotoxicity and losses through biological or chemical denitrification, and fall application appears to offer a great potential for these processes to occur.

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