Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1977

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Agronomy

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is considered to be one of the major nutrient elements required in obtaining maximum crop production. It has been stated that in order to keep at the same production level that we have now, two to three times as much cropland would be required if we used 1930 technology and fertilizer. Nitrogen is an important resource. But with price increases, shortage possibilities and ecological implications of nitrogen toxicity, anew outlook on nitrogen utilization is being taken. Increases in the price of N are well known to everyone who is connected with agriculture. As for shortage possibilities, the United States, in 1950, used approximately 1 million tons. In 1974, 9 million tons were used with an expected yearly increase of 5% compounded annually. The world’s future needs for this energy requiring product can be expected to increase at a faster rate yet, The threat to drinking water from nitrate toxicity is also being visualized where an excess of nitrate is being leached deeper into the ground. In spite of these problems, nitrogen utilization is and has been an important aspect in crop production improvement programs, as can be seen by the vast amount of literature published. However, even more research is needed to better understand nitrogen efficiency and the role that it can play in crop production. The purpose of this research is to 1) investigate various areas of plant metabolism for nitrogen efficiency and 2) measure the genetic variability present in those areas of nitrogen efficiency in inbred lines of corn.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Corn

Nitrogen

Corn -- Varieties

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

53

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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