Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2004

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

C. Gregg Carlson

Abstract

Nitrogen and plant population are significant factors for corn (Zea mays L.) production. Accurate nitrogen fertilizer and seeding rate recommendations are essential for optimizing profitability for the farmer and minimizing nitrogen losses. This study examines the relationship of nitrogen and plant population and potential interactions on corn production at two sites in eastern South Dakota. Using standard deviation as a measure of plant spacing uniformity, higher seeding rates correlated to lower standard deviatio11s and vice versa. Higher plant populations also showed higher values for leaf area index, a measurement of plant canopy cover. Nitrogen, but not plant population impacted chlorophyll meter readings. Nitrogen and plant population were found to significantly impact yield, stover, biomass, and harvest index and various sites, but not across all site years. Lower yield potential decreased the significance of nitrogen and plant population on com production. Economic analy_sis of each site year indicates seeding rates near 70,000 plants/ha (28,350 seeds/ac) produced optimum yields. Optimum nitrogen rates varied from ON/ha to 168 kg N/ha (150 lb N/ac) across all site years.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Corn -- Yields -- South Dakota.
Nitrogen fertilizers.
Plant populations.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright