Effect of Strip Tillage on Corn Nitrogen Uptake and Residual Soil Nitrate Accumulation Compared with No‐Tillage and Chisel Plow

Abstract

Tillage and N management systems can have a significant effect on N use by corn ( Zea mays L.) and nitrate (NO 3 –N) movement through the soil profile. Potential water quality and NO 3 –N loss problems associated with conventional tillage and fall‐applied N have prompted this study. The objective is to evaluate strip tillage effect on corn N uptake and NO 3 –N movement through the soil profile compared with chisel plow and no‐tillage systems. The three tillage systems implemented in this study were strip tillage, no‐tillage, and chisel plow along with two N application timings (fall and spring) of 170 kg N ha −1 for corn in a corn–soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation on two Iowa fields in 2001 and 2002. The three tillage systems were implemented every year for both crops (corn and soybean). Crop response, N uptake, and other soil NO 3 –N measurements were conducted on a randomized complete block design experiment. Grain yields and grain N uptake showed no significant improvement under strip tillage compared with no‐tillage or chisel plow systems. Tillage and N treatments caused no significant differences in NO 3 –N accumulation at the lower depths of the root zone (1.2 m). Strip tillage and no‐tillage resulted in lower residual soil NO 3 –N buildup than chisel plow in the 0‐ to 1.2‐m soil profile after 2 yr of tillage implementation. Tillage and N treatments did not cause significant differences in NO 3 –N concentration in water leachate collected at the 1.2‐m depth.