Agronomic Comparison of Anhydrous Ammonia Applied with a High Speed‐Low Draft Opener and Conventional Knife Injection in Corn

Abstract

Anhydrous ammonia (AA) is an important N fertilizer in the United States, and with large farming operations rapid application is needed. This study evaluated the impact of AA application timing and N rates when applied with a high speed low draft (HSLD) or aconventional till knife injection (CTKI) on corn (Zea mays L.) production in no‐tillage fields. The study was conducted at sites located in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas from 2007 to 2009. The experimental design was a split‐plot factorial arrangement of application method, timing (fall; spring pre‐plant, SP; and sidedress, SD), and five N rates. Fall AA application was least efficient (mean 55 kg N ha−1 higher optimum N and 2% lower grain yield, GY), with SP and SD equivalent. The HSLD was comparable to the CTKI with most applications, except when high N rates (180 and 225 kg N ha−1) were applied SP. For these treatments AA injury reduced plant population (PP), early season growth, canopy normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), and GY. Seedling injury did not occur with any N rate or timing with the CTKI. Shallow AA placement at high speed with the HSLD can provide a viable alternative to traditional deeper knife injection when conditions are suitable for AA application and positioning avoids corn seedling injury. Anhydrous ammonia application with the HSLD, however, should be avoided where high SP AA rates may be placed directly under future corn rows.