Abstract
Nitrogen (N) application with Nutrisphere-N polymer may affect soil Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N) movement in the soil. The objective was to evaluate two N application methods (all at planting and split application) and five N rates (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg N ha-1) with Nutrisphere-N polymer on soil NO3-N in dryland corn (Zea mays L.) near Blackville, SC from 2010 to 2012. Soil samples were collected from the soil depth of 90 cm and divided into 15 cm increments following corn harvest. Compared to uncoated fertilizer, Nutrisphere-N improved NO3-N concentration by 29.8% with 180 kg N ha-1 in split applications at 0-15 cm depth and by 44.7% at 90 kg N ha-1 applied at planting at 15-30 cm depth. Soil NO3-N content increased with Nutrisphere-N by 26.2, 36.1, 28.0 and 17.3% at 45 kg, 90 kg, 135 kg and 180 kg N ha-1 in split applications at 15-30 cm depth, respectively. Nutrisphere-N improved soil NO3-N concentration by 40.1 and 31.6% at 90 kg and 135 kg ha-1 over uncoated treatment for N applied in split applications at 30-45 cm depth, respectively. Soil NO3-N content improved with Nutrisphere-N by 36.9% at 135 kg N ha-1 applied at planting, while NO3-N concentration improved by 33.9 and 34.9% at 135 kg and 180 kg N ha-1 with Nutrisphere-N applied in split applications at 45-60 cm depth, respectively. At 60-75 cm depth, Nutrisphere-N decreased soil NO3-N content by 22.0% at 180 kg N ha-1 applied at planting and increased content by 37.5 and 59.9% with split N applications of 90 kg and 135 kg ha-1, respectively. Soil NO3-N concentration increased with Nutrisphere-N by 30.6% over untreated fertilizer at 135 kg N ha-1 in split applications at 75-90 cm depth. Generally, N applications with Nutrisphere-N helped to reduce soil NO3-N losses.
Highlights
Fertilizer recommendations depend on estimating supplied and immobilized nutrients in the soil (Anthony et al, 2012)
Soil NO3-N content improved with Nutrisphere-N by 36.9% at 135 kg N ha−1 applied at planting, while NO3-N concentration improved by 33.9 and 34.9% at 135 kg and 180 kg N ha−1 with Nutrisphere-N applied in split applications at 45-60 cm depth, respectively
This study showed that compared to uncoated treatment, Nutrisphere-N polymer improved NO3-N concentration by 29.8% with 180 kg N ha−1 in split applications at 0-15 cm depth
Summary
Fertilizer recommendations depend on estimating supplied and immobilized nutrients in the soil (Anthony et al, 2012). More applied fertilizers to sustain crop production may lead to environmental issues (Ni et al, 2011) and soil and groundwater Nitrogen (N) pollution, which is a concern for animals and humans (Hubbard et al, 2004). Leaching of NO3-N and NO2N to groundwater are important issues, especially in the southeastern Coastal Plain due to warm temperatures and relatively high rainfall (Hubbard et al, 2004). Producers need to optimize agricultural production to reduce negative impact of these emissions on environment (Nash et al, 2012). Vaio et al (2008) expressed concerns of negatively impacting environment from N loss.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call