Physical characteristics of corn kernels as influenced by nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

Physical characteristics of corn (Zea mays L.) kernels influence end‐use. Agronomic practices including nitrogen (N) fertilization may influence kernel hardness. The objective of this study was to determine if com endosperm characteristics influence the effect of N fertilization on kernel hardness and breakage susceptibility. In 1988, six corn hybrids differing for endosperm were grown at two locations in Ohio and with two N rates (34 and 200 kg/ha). Kernels of the waxy hybrid were denser less susceptible to breakage than its near‐isogeneic normal counterpart. Soft kernels weighted less and were less dense than hard kernels, but these two hybrid classifications did not differ for breakage susceptibility. Hard kernels possessed a greater resistance to grinding than soft kernels. Increasing N fertilizer rate increased resistance to grinding and reduced susceptibility to breakage of both soft and hard endosperm types. Fertilization with N not only affects corn grain yield, but also affects physical characteristics that are important to end‐users.

Notes

Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series Number 12,121.