Precipitation influences pre-sidedress soil nitrate thresholds for corn production

Abstract

Minnesota is a leading corn (Zea mays L.) producer in the United States, requiring substantial nitrogen (N) inputs for optimal yields. Using an in-season critical soil nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) concentration threshold to adjust fertilization rates can improve N management and reduce environmental impacts. This study assessed corn grain yield response to in-season (i.e., V4–V6 corn development stage) soil NO₃⁻-N concentration to establish a critical pre-sidedress soil NO₃⁻-N test (PSNT) under Minnesota conditions. Data included were obtained from 34 field experiments conducted from 2012 to 2019 across the major corn production regions of Minnesota. Relationships between PSNT and relative corn grain yield were analyzed using a quadratic-plateau regression model. Across the entire dataset, a PSNT of 20 ± 2.5 mg NO₃⁻-N kg⁻¹ soil was the critical level to reach 97% of maximum corn grain yield. To increase suboptimum PSNT concentrations up to the critical threshold, application of 13.8 ± 2.4 kg N ha⁻¹ is needed per 1 mg kg⁻¹ increase in soil NO₃⁻-N concentration based on pre-/at planting N application, but validation is needed for actual sidedress applications. When precipitation was lower or greater than the 30-year mean, the critical PSNT value was 21.5 or 17.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Nonetheless, the 20 ± 2.5 mg NO₃⁻-N kg⁻¹ PSNT critical value is applicable across the state as limited model improvements were achieved when the data were segregated according to soil characteristics, location, corn material, and/or previous crop.