ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Ammonia volatilization
;
Urea
;
Nitrogen fertilizers
;
Dactylis glomerata
;
Zea mays
;
crop N uptake
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary The major agronomic concern with NH3 loss from urea-containing fertilizers is the effect of these losses on crop yields and N fertilizer efficiency. In this 2-year study, NH3 volatilization from surface-applied N fertilizers was measured in the field, and the effects of the NH3 losses detected on corn (Zea mays L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and N uptake were determined. For corn, NH4NO3 (AN), a urea-AN solution (UAN), or urea, were surface-broadcast at rates of 0, 56 and 112 kg N ha−1 on a Plano silt loam (Typic Argiudoll) and on a Fayette silt loam (Typic Hapludalf). Urea and AN (0 and 67 kg N ha−1) were surface-applied to grass pasture on the Fayette silt loam. Significant NH3 losses from urea-containing N sources were detected in one of four corn experiments (12%–16% of applied N) and in both experiments with grass pasture (9%–19% of applied N). When these losses occurred, corn grain yields with UAN and urea were 1.0 and 1.5 Mg ha−1, respectively, lower than yields with AN, and orchardgrass dry matter yields with urea were 0.27 to 0.74 Mg ha−1 lower than with AN. Significant differences in crop N uptake between N sources were detected, but apparent NH3 loss based on N uptake differences was not equal to field measurements of NH3 loss. Rainfall following N application markedly influenced NH3 volatilization. In corn experiments, NH3 loss was low and yields with all N sources were similar when at least 2.5 mm of rainfall occurred within 4 days after N application. Rainfall within 3 days after N application did not prevent significant yield reductions due to NH3 loss from urea in grass pasture experiments.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00270939
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