Flue Gas Desulfurization Products as Sulfur Sources for Corn

Abstract

Nitrogen deficiency in the soil often limits corn ( Zea mays L.) production. Recently, S deficiency in several crops, including corn, has been observed. Little information is available, however, related to the interactive effects of N and S fertilization on corn growth and yield using modern corn hybrids. Field experiments were conducted from 2002 to 2005 to test corn response to seven rates (0–233 kg ha −1 ) of N and two rates (0 and 33 kg ha −1 ) of S applied to a silt loam soil at Wooster, OH. The S was applied as flue gas desulfurization (FGD) products and was primarily in the form of gypsum. Corn grain yields were significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) increased by N fertilizer addition from 2003 to 2005. Sulfur addition also significantly increased the average yield of corn in 2002 and 2003. An N × S interaction for corn yield was observed in 2005. Sulfur application at 33 kg ha −1 significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) increased corn yield at the intermediate N rate of 133 kg ha −1 , and showed a general tendency to increase yield at lower N rates in 2004 and 2005. Nitrogen and S concentrations in corn grain were increased by application of 200 kg N ha −1 , and S concentration was increased by S application in 2005. These results suggest that application of S fertilizer, with N, can promote the uptake of N by corn in S‐responsive soils. This will decrease the amount of N required for high‐yield corn production and reduce production costs and degradation of water quality associated with oversupply of N.