Response of three annual weeds to corn population density and nitrogen fertilization timing

Abstract

Abstract The limited understanding of soil nitrogen (N) effects on crop yield loss to weeds prevents the refinement of integrated weed management to consider soil fertility. A 3-yr field experiment compared ammonium nitrate applications before corn emergence (PRE N) or in late June (POST N) on the growth of giant foxtail, velvetleaf, common waterhemp, and grain corn. The N responses were studied in corn population densities of 5.4 and 7.9 plants m−2 to understand how crop density might influence N effects on yield loss. In late June of each year, leaf areas were 25% (corn), 64% (velvetleaf), and 41% (giant foxtail) lower with POST N than with PRE N. Common waterhemp leaf area in late June was unaffected by N timing. Corn population density did not affect weed shoot dry weights evaluated in late June. Corn and velvetleaf heights in late July were up to 19 and 48% lower, respectively, with POST N compared with PRE N. Common waterhemp and giant foxtail heights in late July were unaffected by N timing. Corn y...