Nitrogen Use Efficiency – Plant population x nitrogen interaction trial (Kerang)

2019

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Damian Jones
Ben Morris
Nick Poole
Tom Price
Michael Straight
Year(s) 2019
Contributor Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Trial location(s) Kerang, VIC
Nitrogen Use Efficiency – Plant population x nitrogen interaction trial (Kerang) locations
Aims

To evaluate the influence of plant population, row spacing and nitrogen rate on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), dry matter production, grain yield and harvest index in grain maize.

Key messages
  • In a variable trial there were no significant differences in grain yield (machine harvested) due to row spacing 500mm v 750mm (20” v 30”), plant population (85,000 v 120,000 pl/ha) or N rate 300 v 450 kg N/ha).
  • Overall grain yield average in the trial was 16.47 t/ha.
  • Although no yield differences were recorded it was noted that narrower row spacing produced more overall harvest biomass, particularly at the lower plant population.
  • Since there were no difference in grain yield associated with narrow row spacing and lower plant population, harvest index was reduced.
  • Crop canopies at harvest contained more nitrogen than was applied as fertiliser indicating that at 300 kg N/ha applied as much as 235 kg N/ha was supplied from the soil.
  • Increasing N fertiliser applied from 300 to 450 kg N/ha did not result in any greater N offtake in the crop at harvest, indicating that N was either left in the soil or lost.
Lead research organisation Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Host research organisation Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Trial funding source GRDC FAR1906-003RTX
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Irrigated Cropping Council
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Maize
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Sowing: Row Spacing
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated,Blocked

Kerang 2019

Sow rate or Target density 85 plants/ha and 120 plants/ha at 500 mm and 750 mm row spacing
Sow date 29 October 2019
Harvest date 22 April 2020
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

150 kg N/ha at Sowing and V6

225 kg N/ha at Sowing and V6

For treatment combinations please see Table 1 on page one of the attached report.

Other trial notes

This trial suggests that the narrower row spacing allowed greater crop biomass production, but that this failed to translate into yield. Further investigation is required to improve the harvest index of narrow 20-inch row spacing crops.

Previous crop: Grass dominant pasture (3 years)
Variety: Pioneer Hybrid 1756
Irrigation Type: Border check irrigation

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Kerang, VIC Clay
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Kerang, VIC Vertosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Kerang VIC
2019 297.0mm
2018 348.5mm
2017 400.1mm
2016 388.0mm
2015 370.5mm
2014 418.5mm
2013 443.6mm
2012 503.0mm
2011 565.1mm
2010 512.8mm
2009 402.3mm
2008 354.7mm
2007 325.4mm
2006 331.7mm
2005 366.3mm
2004 289.5mm
2003 283.3mm
2002 259.0mm
2001 330.6mm
2000 349.6mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Kerang VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2019 trial report

2019 trial report



Trial last modified: 17-03-2022 09:57am AEST