RED CLOVER NITROGEN CONTRIBUTION FOR CORN
Applied Research
Alan Sundermeier
Extension Educator
The Ohio State University Extension
BOWLING GREEN
Abstract
The use of clover as a nitrogen source for corn production may allow producers to reduce commercial nitrogen rates. To evaluate the effect of clover cover crop, an experiment was conducted at the Ohio State University Research Farm in Wood County, Ohio. The entries were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. All systems in this comparison were no-till. Medium red clover was frost seeded in wheat on April 18, 2008. After wheat harvest, clover was allowed to grow until 10-29-08 when Roundup and Clarity herbicides were applied to kill the clover. Corn was planted at the same time in all plots as no-till on 5-12-09. Sidedress nitrogen was applied on 6-16-09 at V6 growth stage. Red clover biomass analysis from late fall 2008 showed 120 lb/acre of available nitrogen. Chlorophyll content of corn on 8-8-09 ranged from 24.1 SPADD meter reading for no clover and no nitrogen to 53.1 with clover and 160 lb/acre nitrogen applied. In all comparisons, clover increased chlorophyll content of corn leaves. Soil nitrate nitrogen tested on 8-8-09 ranged from 2.7 ppm for no clover and no nitrogen to 22.7 ppm with clover and 160 lb/acre nitrogen applied. In all comparisons, corn yields were significantly increased when clover was included. An economic analysis showed that when clover was used, corn yield increased 9.9 bu/acre with a net return of $13.65 above costs of clover.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: A. Sundermeier
-
Sundermeier, A. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43402