Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Spencer, Gene D.

Committee Member

Reynolds, Daniel Z.

Committee Member

Krutz, Larry J.

Committee Member

Larson, Erick J.

Committee Member

Mills, Brian E.; Lawrence, Benjamin H.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Plant and Soil Sciences (Agronomy)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is a critical and costly component in mid-southern United States (US) corn (Zea mays L.) production. This study was conducted to determine whether corn productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability could be manipulated through N application strategies. The effects of N rate, application system, and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) injection strategies on corn grain yield, N uptake, and runoff N were investigated near Brooksville, MS and Tchula, MS. In 2023 and 2024, N rate nor application system nor trench covering strategies nor UAN injection depth affected corn grain yield. Injecting UAN in two trenches 20 cm from crop decreased corn grain yield 315 kg ha-1. Covering the 10-cm UAN injection trench and 0-cm injection decreased runoff total N, total Kjeldahl N, and nitrate-N runoff N loads. Lateral UAN application position appears to increase corn grain yield, and injection trench covering and shallow injection can reduce runoff N loss.

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