Biostimulants and phosphorus fertilizer to improve growth and productivity of corn

Lenzen, Derek Steven

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115399 Copy

Description

Title

Biostimulants and phosphorus fertilizer to improve growth and productivity of corn

Author(s)

Lenzen, Derek Steven

Issue Date

2022-04-26

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Below, Frederick E

Committee Member(s)

• Mulvaney, Richard L
• Kent, Angela D

Department of Study

Crop Sciences

Discipline

Crop Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• corn
• maize
• sugar
• phosphorus
• biostimulants
• biologicals
• in-furrow
• foliar
• APP

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation has been a component of civilization dating back to 2,500 B.C. (Garcia-Lara & Serna-Saldivar, 2019). Production has continuously evolved through selection and breeding efforts to improve genetics, combined with new management strategies that have led to increased productivity. A new category of specialty products to improve crop management, called biostimulants, has gained prominence in recent years, and these products have multiple avenues for influencing crop growth and yield based on the application timing and placement (Sible et al., 2021). Biostimulants are typically intended to increase crop growth, relieve crop stress, improve availability of fertilizer and soil mineral nutrients, and ultimately increase grain yield. However, knowledge and validation from field-tested scenarios using biostimulant applications is lacking for the multitude of products that are available to the producer, and that is the basis for this research. To better understand these biostimulant products and how they may fit into agronomic management systems, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of two biostimulant products and their optimal application methodology to provide increased grain yields and enhanced fertilizer use of corn. This research involved the following two areas: Utilization of Sugar Sources In-Furrow and Foliar-Applied to Improve Growth and Productivity of Corn Multiple application timings and methods of two sugar sources (Clintose A and CornSweet 42) were performed over two study years, 2019 and 2021, with or without a starter fertilizer and/or phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB; 2021 only) to evaluate the responses in plant growth and grain yield of corn. Supplying combinations of in-furrow applied sugar of either sugar source with starter fertilizer resulted in grain yield increases, with the high fructose sugar source (CornSweet 42) being the better sugar source to be applied in-furrow. Leaf-applied sugar sources resulted in variable gains in yields across both years, but numerical increases were observed in the year when sustained weather stress occurred. Co-Application of Calcified Algae and MicroEssentials-S10 Affects Phosphorus Availability and Productivity of Corn Two rates of a calcified algae product were applied in a band with or without two rates of an acidifying phosphorus (P) fertilizer that also contained sulfur (S) directly beneath the crop row to determine the effects on nutrient uptake and grain yield of corn. The calcified algae product was largely comprised of calcium carbonate along with small amounts of various biostimulatory compounds. Applications of the calcified algae with the phosphorus fertilizer source increased grain yield, with different levels of response depending on the inherent soil characteristics and fertility levels. In conditions with low soil test levels, additions of Algen to P and S fertilizer increased grain yields at both full and reduced fertilizer rates while in conditions with adequate soil test levels Algen additions to P and S fertilizer resulted in a similar yield level as the full fertilizer rate alone. Results indicate that Algen improves soil P availability and as such may be capable of reducing P fertilizer needs.

Graduation Semester

2022-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Derek Lenzen

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