Application of Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc to Corn Grown for Grain or Silage: Early Growth and Yield

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Abstract
Considerable effort has been devoted to the study of the application of N and S for corn (Zea mays L.) production on irrigated sandy soils in the western Corn Belt. Requirements for P, K, and Zn have not been extensively researched. This study, initiated in 1974 and continued through 1978, was designed to measure the effect of repeated applications of P, K, and Zn to irrigated sandy soil under systems of continuous grain and silage production.Two adjacent series of plots were used. In one series, corn was harvested for grain and the residue was incorporated with a disk. Corn from the adjacent series was harvested for silage each year, thus eliminating the return of any residue to the soil. Twenty‐three treatments were selected from a 53 complete factorial to fit a central composite design with identical treatments used in both series. To measure early growth, whole plant samples were collected when plants were 40–60 cm tall. Silage yields were measured prior to or at physiological maturity. Grain yields were measured in mid‐October.Fertilizer P had the most consistent effect on early plant growth, yield, and crop maturity. The application of fertilizer P had a curvilinear effect on early growth and yield with maximum yield produced by the application of 22–33 kg P/ha. The rate of fertilizer P required to achieve maximum production in any one year was not related to yield level. The effect of P on crop maturity was not consistent with the effect being linear in some years and curvilinear in others. The effect of fertilizer K was inconsistent throughout the study. Application of fertilizer Zn had no effect on corn growth, yield, and crop maturity. There was no significant P × Zn interaction throughout the study.

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