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Abstract
Utility of organic carbon (OC) content as an indicator of corn (Zea maize L.) grain yield and yield response to nitrogen (N) across a broad range of conditions was assessed using data from two studies (the first on a variable landscape at Elora Research Station and the second on 19 landscapes in private farms) conducted from 1998 to 2003 in southern Ontario. Zero and 140/150 kg N ha−1 were applied in all studies. Yields generally increased linearly or quadratically with increasing OC. Regression models indicated 42% of the data sets had no response to fertilizer N and in only two data sets in Elora and no data sets in private farms were yield responses to N dependent on OC. When yield increased with fertilizer addition, it was similar for all OC contents in a landscape. We concluded that OC content cannot be used to identify N-management units in southern Ontario.
Acknowledgments
E. G. Beauchamp established the plots at the Elora site in 1996 and made important contributions through the duration of this project. The data collected from the private farms could not have been obtained without the support of the individual landowners. These included D. Cameron, M. Comley, J. Denys, M. Donnelly, S. Hart, A. McCallum, R. McCracken, B. Newcombe, L. Podlinski, E. Snider, and R. Willemse. Technical support for field aspects of the project was provided by J. Ferguson. Technical support for laboratory analyses and data processing and analyses was provided by R. Pararajasingham. Some of the data in the study were collected by graduate students and subsequently incorporated into the theses of J. To and R. S. Dharmakeerthi.