Nutrient uptake of corn grown using moldboard plow or no-tillage soil management

Crop nutrition under different tillage systems continues to be an issue. Corn (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) uptake were monitored for two years under either no-tillage or conventional (moldboard plow plus disc) tillage management. Two rates of applied N (84, 168 kg N ha⁻¹) were imposed as well. The crop was planted in mid-May, and sampled about 60 days after planting and at crop maturity. Grain yields were generally increased by the higher N application rate and by tillage reduction. Phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium uptake were generally unaffected by treatment. Total nitrogen recovery by the crop was lowered by no-tillage soil management at the 84 kg N ha⁻¹ application rate, but was equal across tillage treatments at the 168 kg N ha⁻¹ rate. Potassium acquisition by the crop was strongly related to the surface stratification of K in the no-till soil environment.