Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Irrigated No-Till Corn Production and Soil Carbon and Nitrogen

Converting to no-till (NT) production can affect N requirements for optimizing corn (Zea mays L.) yields while enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) and N levels. Nitrogen fertilization impacts on irrigated, NT continuous-corn grain, stalk, cob, and stover yields, stover C and N uptake, and C/N ratios were evaluated for 11 yr on a clay loam soil. Changes in SOC and total soil nitrogen (TSN) were also monitored. Grain, stalk, cob, and stover yields increased with increasing N rate, as did N and C uptake. The C/N ratio of stalk residue declined with increasing N rate, but cob C/N ratio was not affected, with an average stover C/N ratio of 68 at the highest N rate. Nitrogen fertilization increased SOC and TSN levels with average SOC and TSN mass rate gains with N application of 0.388, 0.321, and 0.160 Mg SOC ha(-1) yr(-1) and 0.063, 0.091, and 0.140 Mg TSN ha(-1) yr(-1) in the 0-to 7.6-, 0-to 15.2-, and 0-to 30.4-cm soil depths, respectively. The SOC and TSN mass rate changes were lower without N application. Increases in TSN appeared to be more rapid than SOC, resulting in a decline in the soil C/N ratio with time. Under irrigated, NT continuous corn production, N fertilization optimized grain and residue yields, with the enhanced benefit of increased SOC and TSN levels in the semiarid central Great Plains. Removal of cobs or partial stover residue as a cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production appears possible without negative effects on soil quality under irrigated, NT corn production.