Abstract
AbstractThe deficiency of secondary and micronutrients negatively affects plant metabolic functions and reduces crop yields. These nutrients are applied in small quantities (<10 kg ha−1) and are physically blended or chemically fused with primary nutrients to enhance uniformity of application. A 3‐yr study (2012–2014) was conducted to evaluate the effects of fall or spring‐applied fertilizer N with or without P and N–P fertilizers containing S and Zn (blended or fused) on soil properties, leaf chlorophyll, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Nebraska. Response variables were measured for additional 2 yr (2015–2016; residual years [RYs]). Soil Mehlich‐3 P was low (14 mg kg−1) at the onset of the experiment and adding P increased grain yield by 10% compared with N only treatment in 2013–2015. Grain yields were similar in treatments with S and Zn fused (9.7–12.4 Mg ha−1) or blended (9.7–12.2 Mg ha−1) in all years (2012–2016). A yield benefit of adding S and Zn was recorded only 1 yr (2015: the first RY) (12.3 and 11.6 Mg ha−1 in NP treatments with and without S and Zn). Except for 2012, all fertilized treatments had greater yields than the control in 2013–2016. The 2012 was a dry year, where yield was low across the treatments (1.6–2.1 Mg ha−1) suggesting minimal benefits of adding primary nutrients (N, P), let alone S or Zn, when moisture is limiting. It is warranted that blended and fused fertilizers are evaluated under specific conditions where soils are deficient in constituent nutrients.
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