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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #267328
Title: Nutrient management studies in biofuel cropping systems

Author
item NATHAN, MANJULA - University Of Missouri
item REINBOTT, TIMOTHY - University Of Missouri
item NELSON, KELLY - University Of Missouri
item Kremer, Robert

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2011
Publication Date: 10/16/2011
Citation: Nathan, M., Reinbott, T.M., Nelson, K.A., Kremer, R.J. 2011. Nutrient management studies in biofuel cropping systems. In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, October 16-19, 2011, San Antonio, Texas. 2011 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Research was conducted to determine the effect of nutrient management practices on biofuel crop production, and to evaluate long term effects of biofuel crop production on selected chemical, physical and microbiological properties. Experimental plots for research on biofuel crop production were established in 2008 at two sites in Missouri. The experimental design was an 8x3 factorial laid out in a split plot design. The main plots were eight biofuel cropping systems including: 1) continuous corn for grain; 2) continuous corn for grain and stover removal; 3) corn-soybean rotation for grain; 4) soybean-corn rotation for grain; 5) sweet sorghum-wheat double crop; 6) miscanthus; 7) switch grass; and 8) tall fescue. Subplots received the following fertilizer treatments: 1) University of Missouri recommended P and K with a 4 year buildup; 2) fertilizer recommendations based on annual crop removal values; and 3) control without P and K. Soil samples were collected for soil fertility analysis (pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, OM and CEC), organic and total N, wet aggregate stability, and potential C and N mineralization by measuring dehydogenase and glucosaminidase enzyme activities. Grain yield, dry matter production and nutrient uptake were measured. This presentation reports results of the nutrient uptake and fertility analysis. In continuous corn cropping systems, P and K applications based on maintenance and buildup had the highest grain yield; however, stover yield was greatest when P and K application was based on nutrient removal. Luxury P and K consumption and removal were found in tall fescue and sweet sorghum. In the first two years of this study, it is apparent that in order to maximize dry matter and grain yield in a monoculture system P and K levels will need to be closely monitored.