Abstract
Soil and plant indices of soil fertility status have traditionally been developed using conventional soil and crop management practices. Data on managing N fertilizer for corn (Zea mays L.) produced on soils amended with C-rich organic materials, such as oily food waste (OFW) is scarce. Identification of a reliable method for making N fertilizer recommendations under these conditions is imperative. The objective of this research was to evaluate soil NO(3)-N (0- to 30-cm depth) at preplant and presidedress (PSNT) times of sampling for predicting N requirements for corn grown on fields receiving OFW. Experiments were conducted at two locations in Ontario, Canada over 3 yr (1995-1997) where OFW was applied at different rates (0, 10, and 20 Mg ha(-1)), times (fall and spring), and slope positions (upper, mid, and lower) within the same field. Presidedress soil NO(3)-N contents were higher compared with preplant time of sampling under all OFW management conditions. Corn grain yields were significantly affected by OFW management and N fertilizer application rates. Maximum economic rate of N application (MERN) varied depending on OFW management conditions. Presidedress soil NO(3)-N contents had a higher inverse relationship with MERN (r = -0.88) compared with soil NO(3)-N at preplant (r = -0.74) time of sampling. A linear regression model (Y = 180.1 - 8.22 NO(3)-N at PSNT) is proposed for making N fertilizer recommendations to corn grown on soils amended with OFW in this geographical region.
Published Version
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