Extension Publication

Kansas Field Research | Jul 16, 2020
Extension Publication

Dynamics of post-flowering nitrogen uptake and nitrogen recovery efficiency using 15N isotope labeling in corn

by Fernandez, J. A., Nippert, J. B., & Ciampitti, I. A.

Published in Kansas Field Research, 6 (5), 28. 2020.


This study proposes the utilization of isotope 15N as tracer to describe N dynamics among hybrids under a late-N fertilization strategy.

Highlights

  • As N fertilizer was applied in later reproductive stages, lower recovery of the fertilizer was achieved.
  • Neither yield nor total N uptake were affected by late N fertilization.
  • Proportionally more N was allocated to the grain as fertilization was applied in the crop, in detriment to its distribution to cob and husk organs.

Abstract

In corn (Zea mays L.), breeding and selection for grain yield over time has been accompanied by a simultaneous increase in plant nitrogen (N) uptake. The understanding of plant N dynamics has attracted attention due to the environmental concerns related to N losses coming from fertilization. This research study was implemented to 1) describe N uptake and allocation dynamics, and 2) quantify fertilizer recovery efficiency across late-N strategies.

Two field experiments (one under irrigation and one rainfed) were conducted at the Ashland Bottoms Research Farm, KS, during 2017. Three hybrids with different year of release and three N scenarios were tested. Isotope 15N was utilized as tracer to determine 15N recovery and N fate within plant organs when both timings of late-N were evaluated.

As 15N fertilizer was applied later in the season, lower recovery of the fertilizer was achieved and proportionally more N was allocated to the developing grains. These findings can motivate future investigations using 15N labelling technique to evaluate fertilizer recovery efficiency in corn.


Citation

Fernandez, J. A., Nippert, J. B., & Ciampitti, I. A. (2020). Dynamics of Post-Flowering Nitrogen Uptake and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency Using 15N Isotope Labeling in Corn. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports, 28.

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