Illinois Fertilizer Conference Proceedings
January 27-29, 2003

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Impact of Soil Test P and K on Soybean and Corn Yield

T.R. Peck1

Introduction

The objective of this study is to evaluate soybean and corn crop yields in relation to soil test levels for P and K in an east central Illinois 40-acre (16.2 hectare) field residual from P and K fertilizer application since the last application in the fall of 1986. Composite soil samples for mapping soil test levels are collected from the center of 5-rod grid areas (16 by 16 field grid pattern, 82.5 feet grid area, 25 meter) and crop yields are measured with a combine yield monitor.

Materials and Methods

The 40-acre field, located in Piatt County near Mansfield, is under University Trust Management with recorded cultural management (crops grown, yields and fertilizer analysis and rate) since 1961. Soil types are dominantly Drummer sicl, Flanagan sil, and Harpster sicl. The field was cropped to soybean in 2002 and will be corn in 2003. Soil samples were collected in April of 2002.

Results and Discussion

The field average soybean yield for 2002 was 50.86 bu/a, which compares with 2000 at 55.5 bu/a, 1998 at 44.8 bu/a, 1996 at 47.3 bu/a, 1994 at 60.7 bu/a, 1992 at 42.3 bu/a, and 1990 at 65.5 bu/a. An adjoining 80-acre field that has been regularly fertilized with phosphorus and potassium yielded 60.84 bu/a. Soil tests on soil samples are in the process of analysis, along with the mapping of field soybean crop yield.

Conclusion

A cursory assessment of combine yield monitor maps and soil fertility P and K test relationship is not suggesting a strong relationship. Notwithstanding the fact that no fertilizer P and/or K has been applied for 16 years, several soil tests from the field exceed 30 lb/a P and 300 lb/a K.

Footnotes and References

1T.R. Peck is a professor of soil chemistry extension, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois.

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