Seeding Row Research Articles

Response of Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn Plants in Rainfed Land to Providing Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Bamboo Roots

Sweet Corn is an important food crop that functions as a source of food, feed, and industrial raw materials. Efforts to increase corn production require technological input to increase yields and be environmentally friendly. One way is by using Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). This research aims to determine the response of growth and yield of sweet corn plants on rainfed land to the application of PGPR bamboo root plants and to determine the appropriate PGPR concentration for the growth and yield of sweet corn plants. This research was carried out from February to June 2020 in Rantau Panjang, Sambaliung District, Berau Regency. East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The research used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) consisting of 6 treatments of bamboo root PGPR concentration, namely treatment: p0 = control; p1 = 5.0 ml l-1 water; p2 = 7.5 ml l-1 water; p3 = 10.0 ml l-1 water; p4 = 12.5 ml l-1 water; and p5 = 15.0 ml l-1 water. Each treatment was repeated 4 times. The results of the research showed that: (1) The responses of cob diameter and cob production were significantly different, while the responses of plant height, number of leaves, age at flowering, cob length, and number of rows of seeds per cob were not significantly different to PGPR treatments; and (2) Giving PGPR with a concentration of 10 ml l-1 water (p3) resulted in high cob production, namely 12.80 Mg ha-1.

Yield performance and agronomic characteristics of several candidate hybrid maize varieties on uncultivated land

Corn is currently a strategic and dominant national commodity used as raw material for animal feed. The increase in productivity was made possible by the continued assembly of hybrid corn which has a higher production per hectare with a wide or site-specific adaptation rate. Due to the wide utilization of maize, the main objective of all commercial maize breeding programs is to obtain new inbred and hybrids which will outperform the hybrids mainly on grain yield characteristics. This research was conducted in Bone Regency to know the yield potential of several hybrid maize on uncultivated land, using a randomized block design, 4 replications, a plot area of 3 x 5 m, and spacing of 70 x 20 cm. The material used consisted of 4 hybrids and 2 comparison varieties. The results showed that the hybrid G1603 (11.61 t/ha) showed the highest grain yield and was not significantly different from the comparison varieties. This result was supported by the character of the number of rows of seeds per ear, the length of the ear, and the diameter. These characteristics need to be considered to get hybrid corn with a high grain yield.

EFEKTIFITAS PENGGUNAAN LIMBAH AIR CUCIAN BERAS DALAM MENGURANGI PENGGUNAAN PUPUK NPK MUTIARA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAGUNG MANIS (Zea mays L.)

Zea mays L. is one of the food crops that people like because it has a lot of nutritional content. In increasing the growth and production of Zea mays L. plants, it can be done by integrating rice washing water waste with inorganic fertilizers in order to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using rice washing water waste in reducing the use of pearl NPK on vegetative growth and production of Zea mays L. plants. This research was carried out at the Greenhouse of the Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Musamus University in June - September 2022 with a cultivation scale in polybaq. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 7 treatments and 3 replications, namely: K0 = Control; K1=rice washing water without pearl NPK; K2=rice washing water+25% pearl NPK; K3=rice washing water+50% pearl NPK; K4=rice washing water+75% pearl NPK; K5 = rice washing water + 100% pearl NPK; A6= 100% NPK pearl. Parameters observed were: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, cob weight, cob weight without cob, number of rows of seeds per ear, cob diameter, cob length, and 100 seed weight. Observations were analyzed using the method of variance. If there are significantly different treatments, then proceed with the BNT test at the 95% confidence level. The results showed that the treatment of rice washing water + pearl NPK had a significant effect on the growth and production of Zea mays L.. Based on data from the analysis carried out by treating rice washing water waste + 50 % to 75% Pearl NPK can increase the vegetative and generative growth of corn plants so as to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers by 25% -50% of the recommended dose.
 Keywords: Rice washing water, Zea mays L., Pearl NPK Fertilizer

Yield and Quality Response of Canola to Seed Row and Side Banded Ammonium Sulfate and Ammonium Thiosulfate

Ammonium sulfate (AMS) and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) are two of the most common sulfur products applied during canola seeding in the Canadian Prairies. A better understanding of how application methods affect the efficiency of these products is warranted. A field trial was conducted on a clay loam soil in Pense, Saskatchewan to evaluate the effect of seed row and side banded sulfur applications on canola yield and quality. Plots received 34 kg ha-1 sulfur either from AMS or ATS applied during seeding either in the seed row (SR) or side banded (SB). A treatment without sulfur was included as a control. All plots received the same amounts of all other nutrients. Results showed that average seed yields increased for all sulfur-treated plots, however, only side banded applications (AMS(SB): 4020 kg ha-1, ATS (SB): 3883 kg ha-1) were significantly better than the control (3072 kg ha-1). Side banded sulfur applications generally produced more protein than seed row applications and were significantly different from the control. AMS (SB) had the highest protein content (21.07%) while the control had the least (18.13%). Oil content was similar except for AMS (SB) (46.72%) which was significantly lower than the control (48.68%). However, this oil difference was more than compensated by the increased yield from AMS (SB). Applying AMS and ATS in the seed row can decrease the yield and protein response that might otherwise be seen when these products are side banded. There were no significant differences in the measured parameters between AMS and ATS.

Test of Newness Uniformity and Uniqueity 11 Polinela Hybrid Corn Lines

Apart from being a staple food, corn has become more important because it is a staple for the animal feed industry. The need for seeds from year to year continues to increase. Eleven promising hybrid maize lines as candidates for new high yielding varieties assembled by Polinela need further testing, including the NUSU test (new, unique, stable, and uniform). The research objective was to test the novelty, uniqueness, uniformity, and stability of the 11 new hybrid maize lines. The treatments were 11 hybrid maize lines, namely lines A, B, C, D, G, H, L, M, P, Q. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). The variables observed were plant height, harvest age, number of cobs per plant, length of ear, the diameter of ear, number of rows of seeds per ear, weight of 100 seeds, yield of seeds per plant, yield of seeds per hectare. The qualitative character observed was the color of the base of the stem, the color of the pistil (silk) and the color of the male flower (tassel). Uniformity was analyzed by calculating the coefficient of diversity (KK). The results showed that the appearance of the phenotypic characters in each line was very homogeneous with the uniformity level reaching 99.9%.

Growth, carbohydrate accumulation, and productivity of local glutinous corn Bimapulut (Zea mays var. ceratina Kuleshov) after seed priming and coconut coir ash fertilizer application

Seed priming and applying organic K fertilizer can involve efforts to increase local glutinous corn Bimapulut productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of gibberellin (GA3) as seed priming and coconut coir ash fertilizer on the growth, carbohydrate accumulation, and productivity of Bimapulut corn. The research was conducted using a randomized block design. The main plot was seed priming treatment with gibberellin concentrations of 0, 150, and 300 ppm. As a subplot was the treatment of coconut coir ash fertilizer with fertilizer/soil concentration of 0.00; 0.75; 1.50; 3.00 g/kg; thus, there are 12 treatment combinations. Each treatment was done in three replications. Data were analyzed using separate plot ANOVA with treatment arranged in a factorial. If the treatment is significant, Tukey’s honestly significant difference test will be carried out. The results an interaction between GA3 and coconut coir ash fertilizer on plant height, productivity without corn husks kg/ha, and amylose content but had no significant effect on leaf number, number of cobs per plant, cob length, number of row of seeds per cob, the weight of cob with and without corn husks.

The influence of fermented brown algae extract (Sargassum sp.) on corn plant growth (Zea mays L.)

sBrown Algae Extract is one of the ingredients used in organic fertilizers that is more effective for maximizing the growth and production of corn plants. This study aims to determine the effect of fermented brown algae extract on the growth of corn. The research was conducted in Sokkolia Field, Gowa District. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with 4 replications. The first treatment was algae extract which was inoculated by Trichoderma harzianum and Gliocladium sp. Bacillus subtilis and Paenybacillus polymyxa as well as unfermented algae extract. The algae extract was applied to corn by spraying. The parameters observed were plant height, stem circumference, cob length (cm), cob diameter, number of rows of seeds. The results showed that application of algae extract improved the quality and quantity of corn growth compared to the UPK (Urea + Phosphate + Potassium) control.

Improvement yield of sweet corn (Zea mays Saccharata (Sturt.) bailey using arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and cow manure fertilizer (CMF) on ultisol

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and cow manure to yield of sweet corn on Ultisol. This research was conducted using a randomized block design (RCBD) in a factorial pattern. The first factor is arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) which consists of four levels, namely without AMF (A0), AMF 5 g/planting hole (A1), AMF 10 g/planting hole (A2), AMF 15 g/planting hole (A3). The second factor is cow manure fertilizer (CMF) consisting of three levels, namely without CMF (B0), CMF 5 tons ha-1 (B1), CMF 10 tons ha-1 (B2). The treatment applied consisted of 12 treatment combinations which were repeated in 3 replications, so that there were 36 experimental units. The observed variables were: weight of cob with cob, weight of cob without cob, cob length, ear diameter, number of rows of seeds and crop production (ton ha-1). The results showed that the highest average weight cob with husk was obtained in a combination treatment of AMF 10 g/planting hole and without CMF (A2B0) as 289.2 g. The highest average corn crop productivity was obtained in the combination of treatment without AMF and CMF 5 tons ha-1 (A0B1) as 8.52 tons ha-1.

Evaluating the distribution of sugar beet seeds at sowing

A mathematical model is proposed for the formation of a uniform row of seeds in the sowing furrow in order to place them at the same intervals. A key role in this process is played by the random deviation of each seed from the intended place of laying. A mathematical model using probability theory was developed based on the results of laboratory experiments with sugar beet seeds sown onto sticky tape. The consistency of spacing between seeds is influenced by seed rate, i.e. seed number per one meter length of row, the speed of the seeders and the speed of rotation of a seed disc in the machine of exact seeding. Studies have shown that a sufficiently high accuracy of seed placement is achieved if the seeding disc rotates at a speed of 0.24-0.27 m/s, the speed of the drill is not more than 6 km/h, and the seeding dose is not higher than 8 pcs/m. In the field, the coefficient of variation of intervals is higher than on sticky tape, but does not exceed 0.33. There is no seed inversion, and the yield level is more than 98% of the maximum possible. Further improvement in seeding quality can only be achieved by further reducing the speed of precision seeding drills or by design upgrades to align the speed of the seeding machine and the rotation speed of the seeding disc.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL DELAPAN GENOTIPE JAGUNG MANIS YANG DIBUDIDAYAKAN SECARA ORGANIK DI LAHAN RAWA LEBAK

[GROWTH AND YIELD OF EIGHT SWEET CORN GENOTIPE ORGANICALLY GROWN IN SWAMPLAND]. Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) has a greater advantage than feed corn because of its early maturity and the price is more expensive. Recently, the need for sweet corn is higher than its production. To overcome these problems, it is necessary to expand the planting area by utilizing sub-optimal land such as swamps of low fertility. Agricultural intensification can be carried out through the use of organic materials to meet nutrient needs for growth and yield of sweet corn. Determination of varieties suitable for planting in sub-optimal land is also an effort to increase the productivity of sweet corn in swampland. This study aims to determine the potential of sweet corn genotype for organically cultivated in swampland. The material used in this study consisted of seven sweet corn genotypes and one comparative variety planted in experimental plots based on a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variables evaluated in this study were the growth, development, yield, and yield components of sweet corn. The results showed that the 8 sweet corn genotypes tested had significantly different in plant height, number of leaves, number of rows of seeds per cob, and yields per plot. Caps 17 B x Caps 22 and Caps 3 x Caps 5 are genotypes that have better growth than the comparative variety. On the other hand, the yield and yield components of the comparative variety was higher among the other genotypes tested.

Sulfur Species Formed in the Seed Row of Sulfur‐Fertilized Soils as Revealed by K‐Edge X‐ray Absorption Near‐Edge Structure Spectroscopy

Core IdeasKnowledge of the S fertilizer reaction products is important for understanding the behavior and efficacy of S fertilizers in soils.Sulfur K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy is a useful tool for identifying the soil S species formed following application of different fertilizer forms under field conditions.Knowledge of S fertilizer reaction products following application is needed to predict the ability of different fertilizer forms to provide sufficient plant‐available S to crops. K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and wet chemical analysis techniques were used to identify the soil S species formed week to months after fertilization in the field on Brown Chernozem and Black Chernozem soils in Saskatchewan, Canada. The S fertilizer forms were ammonium sulfate, liquid ammonium thiosulfate, gypsum, elemental S, and a zero‐S control treatment. Treatments were applied at seeding at 20 kg S ha−1. Sulfur as ammonium sulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, and gypsum increased the extractable SO4–S in the seed row 1 wk after application; thereafter, it decreased through plant uptake and runoff. For all fertilizers, total S concentration in the seed row increased after application and decreased over time. The XANES results showed that the highly oxidized sulfate form of S was dominant (45–55%) in ammonium sulfate‐ and gypsum‐treated soils 1 wk following application. Thereafter, the proportion as sulfate decreased over time while the reduced and intermediate S forms increased. The proportion of reduced S was highest in the elemental S and ammonium thiosulfate treatments and the proportion in oxidized forms increased from Week 1 to Week 8. Overall, the highly oxidized fertilizer S forms applied (sulfates) transformed to intermediate and reduced S species via immobilization and reduction processes, whereas the highly reduced forms (e.g., elemental S) underwent some oxidation as reduced S decreased and highly oxidized sulfate increased.

Design and assessment of an automated sweet pepper seed sorting machine

Each year, large volumes of sweet pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.) are exported from Thailand to many countries. As a result, seed quality is very important. Sweet pepper seeds are very small, both in dimension and mass, therefore they are very difficult to inspect manually. Thus, we designed and constructed an automated sweet pepper seed sorting machine. It consists of three main stations: 1) seed feeder, 2) seed inspector using a camera and 3) seed sorter using a vacuum suction system. To transport seeds through each station, we designed a circular rotating plate with radial rows of blind holes. This allows all three stations to process a row of seeds in parallel. To identify discolored seeds, images were captured and processed to detect dark areas on the surface of the seeds. Our machine accurately sorted 90.9% of input seeds. The maximum potential capacity (in terms of seed processing rate) was 16,500 seeds per hour and we achieved actual rates of approximately 12,700 seeds per hour or roughly twice as fast as an experienced operator. Thus, this machine is faster and more accurate than human operators and can replace them.

МІКРОМОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВУЗЬКОЛОКАЛЬНОГО ЕНДЕМА SILENE SYTNIKII (CARYOPHYLLACEAE) ПОРІВНЯНО З БЛИЗЬКИМИ ВИДАМИ

Silene sytnikii Krytzka, Novosad et Protopopova is a local endemic species of the Ukrainian flora, which sometimes is considered as a synonym to the S. frivaldszkyana Hampe from the Balkans and is related to the widespread species S. chlorantha (Willd.) Ehrh. The aim of the present study is to investigate micromorphological features of seeds, pollen grains and leaf surface ultrastructure of foregoing species and make a comparison. Both light and scanning electron microscopy were used in the study. S. sytnikii and S. frivaldszkyana are slightly different in the size of exotesta cells and their anticlinal teeth in distal row of seeds, pollen diameter and microechinate number on the pore, size of leaf spinule, epidermal cells and stomata. S. chlorantha significantly differs from them by smaller seeds and exotesta cells, and also longer leaf spinules. Thus, S. sytnikii and S. frivaldszkyana are quite similar in their micromorphology, while S. chlorantha is clearly distinct from them.

Safety and efficacy of iodine-125 permanent prostate brachytherapy in patients with J-pouch anastomosis after total colectomy for ulcerative colitis

PurposeTo ascertain the safety and efficacy of permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) in early prostate cancer patients who have undergone previous total proctocolectomy and J-pouch anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease. Methods and materialsWe identified 10 patients with a previous history of prostate cancer and J-pouch anastomosis from our institutional review board–approved database. Seven patients had PPB and 3 had prostatectomy. Only patients treated with PPB were included. Patient records were reviewed to collect data on treatment-related toxicity and oncological outcomes. ResultsAll 7 patients who underwent PPB had low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The mean prostatic volume was 24.40 mL and the average number of iodine-125 seeds implanted was 84. Postimplant dosimetric calculations showed a mean prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100) of 88.76%, V150 of 45.23%, V200 of 16.79%, radiation dose delivered to 90% of the prostate of 147.89 Gy, volume of ileal pouch receiving 100% of the prescribed dose of 0.164 mL, and volume of ileal pouch receiving 50% of the prescribed dose of 1.38 mL. After a mean follow-up of 19 months, none of the patients had evidence of biochemical failure or clinical failure. There were no long-term genitourinary side effects detected. Two patients had Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 grade II gastrointestinal side effects, of which symptoms resolved to baseline in 1 patient, whereas the other patient progressed to chronic active enteritis (pouchitis). ConclusionLow- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients with J-pouch anastomosis after total colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease are candidates for definitive treatment with PPB. Caution should be exercised while deploying the most posterior row of seeds to minimize enteral pouch radiation doses.

Vibration Analysis Based on the Mathematical Model of the Air-Suction Device Tillage Seeder Seeding

In order to study air-suction when tillage planter in the field farming, Vibration due to the surface roughness of the resulting excitation tillage effects on seed planter of the device, Derivation of the air-suction device tillage planter seeder vibration characteristics of the mathematical model, Vibration characteristics of the mathematical model derived gas suction device tillage seeder seed planter primarily by structural properties, Forward speed when operating, Seed row distance between the soil surface, Soil roughness and soil sticky decision. Can predict and analyze working condition tillage planter seed quality through the establishment of the vibration characteristics of the mathematical model.

Implantation of Row One Needles 1-2 mm Anterior to the Posterior Margin of the Prostate Gland Results in Excellent PSA Control and Minimal Rectal Toxicity After I-125 Brachytherapy

Positioning of the posterior-most row of seeds (row 1) during prostate brachytherapy (PB) determines dose coverage to both the cancer-prone posterior peripheral zone and the anterior rectal wall and therefore impacts cure rates as well as the incidence of late rectal toxicity. Studies correlating row 1 position of needles and seeds and clinical outcomes after PB are lacking. Thus we undertook this analysis to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our practice of positioning row 1 in patients during PB. We randomly selected 50 patients for this study who had a minimum 4 year follow-up from the 350 patients who have undergone I-125 PB at our institution. PB was performed with loose I-125 seeds to deliver a minimum peripheral dose of 144 Gy using a modified uniform loading technique. In all patients, row 1 on the template was positioned at a distance of 1-2 mm anterior to the posterior margin of the prostate gland from base to apex by angulating the rectal probe posteriorly to match the curvature of the prostate gland. Median patient age was 67 years, eight (16%) had diabetes, 12 (24%) were on blood thinners, one patient had ulcerative colitis. Patient records were evaluated for biochemical relapse free survival (RFS) and late rectal toxicity according to the RTOG criteria. Each patient's day 1 post-implant CT scan was reviewed for prostate quadrant dosimetry and various measures of rectal dosimetry including V100%, V100 Gy, rectal wall surface area dosimetry and seed number/distance from the rectal wall. After median follow-up of 63.5 months (range, 48-96 months) biochemical RFS was 100%. The median V100% of the anterior and posterior quadrants of the prostate was 91.8% and 90.9%, respectively. Median number of seeds < 5 mm, < 3 mm and < 1 mm from the rectal wall was 8 (0-26), 2 (0-17), and 0 (0-4), respectively. Median rectal V100% was 0.94 cc and rectal V100 Gy was 3.67 cc. Median rectal surface area receiving at least 100 Gy, 200 Gy and 100% of the prescription dose was 10.22 cm2, 0.80 cm2 and 4.88 cm2, respectively. The rate of RTOG grade 1 late rectal toxicity was 9/50 (18%). No patients had grade 2 or higher late toxicity. On multivariate analysis late grade 1 rectal toxicity was significantly associated with the presence of any seeds located < 5 mm from the anterior rectal wall (OR 1.19, p = 0.046) and the rectal surface area receiving at least 100 Gy (OR 1.32, p = 0.049). These results confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of implanting row 1 needles at a distance of 1-2 mm anterior to the posterior margin of the prostate gland during PB. This practice can provide good dosimetric coverage of the posterior peripheral zone with excellent biochemical RFS and minimal rectal toxicity in spite of the localized delivery of high radiation doses to the anterior rectal wall.

Diversification of seed arrangement induced by ovule rotation and septum formation in Leguminosae

The plants of Leguminosae, which comprises 731 genera, bear monocarpellary flowers. The fruit, known as a pod, generally contains a row of seeds, and the internal structure appears to be simple. In Leguminosae, the seeds are generally arranged longitudinally along the suture of the pod but, in a few genera, namely, Cassia, Indigofera, and Senna, they are arranged transversely. Transverse seed arrangement facilitates the accommodation of a considerable number of seeds and has been considered to be established by rotation of seeds during development. We studied the development both these patterns of seed arrangement, i.e., longitudinal and transverse, in Senna and Indigofera in order to elucidate the structural changes occurring in ovaries (or pods) and determine the forces responsible for rotation of ovules (or seeds) by dissecting ovaries and pods at different developmental stages. Our results showed that at an early developmental stage the ovules were obliquely oriented or transversely arranged; later, the direction of their growth was restricted by the ovary walls or neighboring ovules, and therefore the obliquely oriented ovules rotated inward or outward. Thus, it was clarified that the processes involved in the formation of the internal structure of pods are regulated in a complex manner.

Soil compressibility and penetrability of an Oxisol from southern Brazil, as affected by long-term tillage systems

The precompression stress value defines the transition from the reloading curve to the virgin compression line in the stress–strain curve, which can be used to quantify the highest load or the most intense predrying previously applied to the soil. Thus, in soils with well-defined structured soil horizons, each layer can be characterized by such mechanical strength. Penetration resistance measurements, on the other hand, can be used to determine total soil strength profiles in the field. The effect of long-term tillage systems on physical and mechanical properties was determined in undisturbed and remolded samples collected at 5 and 15 cm depth, 6 months after applying no-till (NT), chisel plow (CP), and conventional tillage (CT) treatments, along with the application of mineral fertilizer and poultry litter. The compressibility tests were performed under confined conditions, with normal loads varying from 10 to 400 kPa after a defined predrying to −6 or −30 kPa. Penetration resistance was determined in the field, after seeding, in three positions: seeding row (SR), untrafficked interrow (UI), and recently trafficked interrow (TI). No-till system showed greater soil resistance to deformation than tilled treatments, as determined by the higher precompression stress and lower coefficient of compressibility. When original soil structure was destroyed (remolded samples), smaller differences were found. The application of extra organic matter (poultry litter) resulted in a reduction of precompression stress in undisturbed samples. Penetration resistance profiles showed greater differences among tillage treatments in the upper layer of the untrafficked interrow, where NT system showed the higher values. Smaller differences were found in the seeding row (with lower values) and in recently trafficked interrow (with higher values), showing that even traffic with a light tractor after soil tillage reduced drastically the effect of previous tillage by loosening up the soil. On the other hand, the tool used to cut the soil and to open the furrow for seeding, incorporated in the direct seeding machine, was sufficient to realleviate surface soil compaction.

Correcting Iron Deficiency in Corn with Seed Row–Applied Iron Sulfate

Corn (Zea mays L.) grown on calcareous, high-pH soils is susceptible to Fe deficiency, which can reduce grain yield by as much as 20%. The objective of this study was to evaluate several treatments of FeSO4 that could be used with precision-farming technologies to alleviate Fe deficiency in irrigated corn. Three sites in 1999 and four in 2000 were selected (based on a history of Fe deficiency) for small-plot (3 by 12.2 m) studies in western Kansas. In 1999, five treatments, including four rates of FeSO4·H2O (0–81 kg ha−1 product) applied in the seed row and one foliar treatment (chelated Fe), were evaluated. In 2000, two additional treatments, CaSO4·2H2O (85 kg ha−1 product) and liquid FeSO4·7H2O (91 kg ha−1 product) applied in the seed row, were included. Grain yield increased linearly with increasing rates of FeSO4·H2O at four of seven site-years, increasing 0.02 Mg ha−1 for each kilogram per hectare of FeSO4·H2O applied. Based on yield responses observed in this study, 81 kg ha−1 FeSO4·H2O was the most consistent treatment for correcting Fe deficiency in corn. If the average yield response obtained in this study can be achieved on 15% of an individual cornfield, the expected return would be $3.00 ha−1 for the entire field. Current precision-farming technologies allow application of FeSO4·H2O only to areas susceptible to Fe deficiency. Employing these technologies provides a practical solution to the spatial heterogeneity of Fe deficiency in irrigated corn and increases the probability of crop response to the fertilizer application.

Correcting Iron Deficiency in Corn with Seed Row–Applied Iron Sulfate

Corn (Zea mays L.) grown on calcareous, high‐pH soils is susceptible to Fe deficiency, which can reduce grain yield by as much as 20%. The objective of this study was to evaluate several treatments of FeSO4 that could be used with precision‐farming technologies to alleviate Fe deficiency in irrigated corn. Three sites in 1999 and four in 2000 were selected (based on a history of Fe deficiency) for small‐plot (3 by 12.2 m) studies in western Kansas. In 1999, five treatments, including four rates of FeSO4·H2O (0–81 kg ha−1 product) applied in the seed row and one foliar treatment (chelated Fe), were evaluated. In 2000, two additional treatments, CaSO4·2H2O (85 kg ha−1 product) and liquid FeSO4·7H2O (91 kg ha−1 product) applied in the seed row, were included. Grain yield increased linearly with increasing rates of FeSO4·H2O at four of seven site‐years, increasing 0.02 Mg ha−1 for each kilogram per hectare of FeSO4·H2O applied. Based on yield responses observed in this study, 81 kg ha−1 FeSO4·H2O was the most consistent treatment for correcting Fe deficiency in corn. If the average yield response obtained in this study can be achieved on 15% of an individual cornfield, the expected return would be $3.00 ha−1 for the entire field. Current precision‐farming technologies allow application of FeSO4·H2O only to areas susceptible to Fe deficiency. Employing these technologies provides a practical solution to the spatial heterogeneity of Fe deficiency in irrigated corn and increases the probability of crop response to the fertilizer application.