HSA | Soils and Sustainability
Stratification of Potassium in Tillage vs. No-Till Systems and Uptake in Corn (Zea Mays) in Western Kentucky
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Agronomy
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Potassium is a macronutrient essential for plant growth. The demand for potassium is high in agricultural systems including corn. Potassium increases tolerance to water stress and disease resistance. Potassium is critical in terms of soil fertility and determining what fertilizers to apply and application rates. Potassium is often not readily available for plant uptake in the soil and is largely lost during harvest, it is also an important component of plant cell walls and other metabolic functions, which could affect yield potential and soil fertility. This study investigated different tillage systems and the movement of potassium both in and out of the soil, this provides insight into water quality issues regarding movement of excess nutrients. Potassium can be a limiting factor for successful corn production. Potassium is critical in corn development from stages V6 through R1. This study was conducted at two locations in Murray, Kentucky, the Hutson Farm and the Pullen Farm both with the primary soil complex Grenada Silt Loam. The Hutson Farm historically was under conventional tillage and had a tillage event in 2022 and will represent conventional tillage in this study. The Pullen Farm has been in no-till for over 20 years and represents the no-till sample in this study. Soil samples were taken at the beginning of the growing season (pre-plant), and once at V6. Soil samples were taken at 4 depths in three separate areas in each field, all with the same land capability classification, samples were randomized within zones. Tissue samples were pulled at V6, R1, and R5, and grain samples were collected post-harvest to determine the total uptake and usage of potassium. This study aimed to describe the possible stratification of potassium under different tillage systems and how that affects uptake into the corn plant as well as describing crop physiological differences as well as effects on grain quality in both systems.
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Soils and Sustainability
Stratification of Potassium in Tillage vs. No-Till Systems and Uptake in Corn (Zea Mays) in Western Kentucky
Potassium is a macronutrient essential for plant growth. The demand for potassium is high in agricultural systems including corn. Potassium increases tolerance to water stress and disease resistance. Potassium is critical in terms of soil fertility and determining what fertilizers to apply and application rates. Potassium is often not readily available for plant uptake in the soil and is largely lost during harvest, it is also an important component of plant cell walls and other metabolic functions, which could affect yield potential and soil fertility. This study investigated different tillage systems and the movement of potassium both in and out of the soil, this provides insight into water quality issues regarding movement of excess nutrients. Potassium can be a limiting factor for successful corn production. Potassium is critical in corn development from stages V6 through R1. This study was conducted at two locations in Murray, Kentucky, the Hutson Farm and the Pullen Farm both with the primary soil complex Grenada Silt Loam. The Hutson Farm historically was under conventional tillage and had a tillage event in 2022 and will represent conventional tillage in this study. The Pullen Farm has been in no-till for over 20 years and represents the no-till sample in this study. Soil samples were taken at the beginning of the growing season (pre-plant), and once at V6. Soil samples were taken at 4 depths in three separate areas in each field, all with the same land capability classification, samples were randomized within zones. Tissue samples were pulled at V6, R1, and R5, and grain samples were collected post-harvest to determine the total uptake and usage of potassium. This study aimed to describe the possible stratification of potassium under different tillage systems and how that affects uptake into the corn plant as well as describing crop physiological differences as well as effects on grain quality in both systems.