Agronomy Journal (2005) 97, 854-863

Joseph L. Pikul Jr., Leslie Hammack and Walter E. Riedell (2005)
Corn yield, nitrogen use, and corn rootworm infestation of rotations in the northern corn belt
Agronomy Journal 97 (3), 854-863
Abstract: Crop rotation may improve production efficiency and reduce fertilizer N requirements for corn (Zea mays L.). Objectives were to determine effect of rotation and N on corn yield, efficiency of water use (WUE) and N use (NUE), and corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) beetle populations (CR). Rotations (started in 1990) were continuous corn (CC), corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), and a 4-yr rotation of corn-soybean-spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) companion-seeded with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-alfalfa hay (CSWA). Nitrogen treatments for corn were corn fertilized for a grain yield of 8.5 Mg ha^-1 (highN), 5.3 Mg ha^-1 (midN), and no N fertilizer (noN). Average yield (1992-2003) was greatest (p = 0.003) under CS and highN (7.0 Mg ha^-1). Yield differences (p = 0.001) among rotations increased with decreased fertilizer N. Average (1992-2003) yield with noN fertilizer was 5.8 Mg ha^-1 under CSWA, 4.5 Mg ha^-1 under CS, and 2.8 Mg ha^-1 under CC. Nitrogen use efficiency differed (p = 0.096) only under midN with CSWA = CS > CC. Soil water (upper 1.8 m) for corn measured on 1 June (average of N treatments) was 55, 54, and 45 cm for CC, CS, and CSWA, respectively. For CSWA under highN, available water limited yield in 3 of 6 yr. At highN, CR adult populations were greater under CS compared with CC and greater at higher N fertilizer levels within CC. Rotations have potential to improve production efficiency; however, there is potential for reduced corn yield after alfalfa due to less available soil water.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Leslie Hammack

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Diabrotica virgifera	Maize/corn (Zea mays)