Long-Term Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization of Irrigated Grain Sorghum

Authors

A. Schlegel, Kansas State UniversityFollow
H. D. Bond, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

irrigated grain sorghum, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization, southwest Kansas

Abstract

Long-term research shows that phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer must be applied to optimize production of irrigated grain sorghum in western Kansas. In 2014, N applied alone increased yields 49 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 81 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 73 bu/a. Application of 40 lb/a N (with P) was sufficient to produce more than 80% of maximum yield in 2014, which almost equals the 10-year average. Application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period.

Recommended Citation

Schlegel, A. and Bond, H. D. (2015) "Long-Term Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization of Irrigated Grain Sorghum," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 1: Iss. 3. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1028