Abstract
AbstractSupply of adequate P is critical at the early growth stages of corn (Zea mays L.), particularly under a cold environment like the northern Great Plains. The mutualistic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and corn roots is responsible for supplying P. However, colonies of AMF drastically decline when corn follows a non‐host crop like sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) in rotation. Field experiments were conducted at two sites during 2018 and 2019 seasons to determine the corn grain yield response to six P management practices, (a) without P, (b) recommended P, (c) P2O5 at the rate of 112 kg ha−1, (d) starter at the rate of 13.7 kg P2O5 ha−1, (e) commercial mycorrhizal inoculant, and (f) starter and mycorrhizal inoculant. Corn grain yield did not respond to P application across 4 site‐years. Application of 112 kg P2O5 ha−1 had significantly higher grain yield (15.6 Mg ha−1) than mycorrhizal inoculant (13.5 Mg ha−1) only at one site in 2018. Lowest soil available P was observed with only mycorrhizal inoculant. For one site, AMF population was significantly reduced under without P (0.79 μmol kg−1 soil) than recommended P application (1.79 μmol kg−1 soil). Higher than recommendation P rate, commercial mycorrhizal inoculant and starter P did not increase grain yield over without P application.
Published Version
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