Tillage and Nitrogen Source Impacts on Relationships between Nitrous Oxide Emission and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency in Corn
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Quantitative understanding of relationships between N 2 O emission and plant N uptake are needed to select environmentally optimal management systems for corn ( Zea mays L.) production. Studies were conducted from 2014 to 2016 in Indiana to assess long‐term tillage and N source effects on N 2 O emission, and in 2015 and 2016 on relationships between N 2 O losses and N recovery efficiency (NRE) and N use efficiency (NUE), in a continuous corn system. Tillage treatments (mostly in place since 1975) consisted of no till (NT), strip till (ST), chisel plow (CP), and moldboard plow (MP), whereas the N source comparison involved sidedress urea ammonium nitrate applied at 220 kg N ha −1 with and without nitrapyrin. Grain yield averaged 6.5% greater for MP than for CP and NT in the 3‐yr period. Nitrapyrin never increased grain yield or NRE but reduced cumulative seasonal N 2 O emission in 1 yr. Tillage affected N 2 O emission in 2 of 3 yr, when emissions decreased in the order MP > CP > ST > NT. Significant negative linear relationships existed between N 2 O emission and NRE under NT and ST, and between N 2 O and NUE under ST, but not for CP and MP. Overall, N 2 O losses under ST and NT decreased by 17 and 13 g N ha −1 , respectively, per unit increase of NRE, and by 63 g N ha −1 per unit increase of NUE under ST. Our results confirmed that selected management systems such as NT or ST that improved NRE and/or NUE can potentially reduce N 2 O emissions during continuous corn production. Core Ideas Seasonal N 2 O losses were lower for no till (NT) and strip till (ST) vs. chisel and moldboard plow. Mean N recovery efficiency (NRE) in continuous corn with 220 kg N ha −1 exceeded 70%. Negative linear relationships existed between NRE or NUE and N 2 O under NT and ST. Rate of cumulative N 2 O emission decline per unit gain in NRE was highest under NT.
Source: Journal of Environmental Quality
Authors: Rex A. Omonode, Tony J. Vyn
Institution: Purdue University West Lafayette
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,910
Awards: G1505061983, G4011992734, G8245953217
OpenAlex ID: W2906889164