Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science

First Advisor

Peter Kovács

Abstract

Soil conditioners help improve soil structure by increasing aeration, water infiltration and water holding capacity leading to nutrient availability and reduced irrigation needs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of multiple soil conditioners (SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, and SC5) on corn (Zea mays L.) and their ability to reduce irrigation by 30%. This was evaluated in the field in 2022 and 2023 by Aurora, SD using a Randomized Complete Block Design with six replications. Conditioners were applied as broadcast pre-emergence treatments with 70% irrigation. Control treatments of 70% and 100% irrigation, respectively were included. SC1 application in-furrow was also included. Response variables measured were emergence rate, soil volumetric water content at two early season intervals, soil nutrients and health at V2 and R6 growth stages, plant nutrients at V8, VT, R2, and R4 growth stages, plant biomass at V8 and R4 growth stages, ear rows, kernels per ear row and yield. Soil water content, plant nutrient concentration, and soil nutrient depletion were significantly impacted by at least one conditioner in both years. There was a significant difference in emergence rate and the soil health in 2022, and in kernels per ear row and yield in 2023 compared to the 70% irrigated control. The impact of SC1 on corn varied between the two placements, but overall was inconclusive. SC1, SC2, and SC3 as broadcast applications at 70% irrigation were not significantly different from the 100% irrigation control. While most of the parameters measured were improved by a soil conditioner, there was not a consistent response for a given soil conditioner across all parameters, thus recommending additional research.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Download

Share

COinS
 

Rights Statement

In Copyright