Dynamics of Post-Flowering Nitrogen Uptake and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency Using 15N Isotope Labeling in Corn

Authors

J. A. Fernandez, Kansas State UniversityFollow
J. B. Nippert, Kansas State UniversityFollow
I. A. Ciampitti, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

maize, nitrogen uptake, post-flowering, fertilizer recovery efficiency, corn

Abstract

In corn (Zea maysL.), 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. Isotope¹⁵N was utilized as tracer to determine¹⁵N recovery and N fate within plant organs when both timings of late-N were evaluated. As¹⁵N 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 using¹⁵N labelling technique to evaluate fertilizer recovery efficiency in corn.

Recommended Citation

Fernandez, J. A.; Nippert, J. B.; and 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: Vol. 6: Iss. 5. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7920