Consequences of Ontario P index recommendations for reduced manure and fertilizer phosphorus applications on corn yields and soil phosphorus

Abstract

Environmental indices for soil P limit P applications when soil tests and risk of P losses exceed a given threshold. Producers’ reluctance to reduce P inputs often stem from concerns regarding reduced crop production and soil fertility. Our objectives were to identify changes in soil P fractions after 4 yr of repeated manure or fertilizer P applications at rates ≤ crop removal by corn (Zea mays L.), and the impact of these applications on yields. Olsen P and soil P fractions extracted using a modified Hedley P fractionation procedure were measured. Corn yields were nonresponsive to P applications. After 4 yr, Olsen P was 16.6 and 24.6 mg kg−1 at the application rates of 0 and 33 kg P ha−1 yr−1, respectively, for the inorganic fertilizer treatment indicating that soil P drawdown was occurring. Only the most labile forms of Pi (resin and bicarbonate extractable) were affected by treatment, with greater values at higher P application rates. Adherence to Ontario’s P index recommendations for P applications at or below crop removal should not be a crop production concern. Furthermore, given the rate of soil labile P drawdown, routine soil testing (every 3–5 yr) would identify agronomically significant changes in soil test P before the crop yield is impacted.