PROGRESS REPORT OF FERTILIZER RESEARCH IN OREGON FOR Central Oregon - Irrigated Grain Fertility Experiments )

Transcription

1 OREGON STATE COLLEGE Agricultural Experiment Station Agricultural Extension Service March 1955 S-36-Section U PROGRESS REPORT OF FERTILIZER RESEARCH IN OREGON FOR 1954 Central Oregon - Irrigated Grain Fertility Experiments ) A series of experiments were established to measure responses from nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur fertilizers on irrigated grains in Central Oregon. Trials were established following grain, potatoes, and legumes. Each plot was 9 x 75 feet. All treatments were repeated 3 times in a randomized block design. The fertilizer was applied before seeding with a machine designed to place a measured amount of fertilizer approximately three inches in the soil in bands 102 inches apart. The plots were harvested with a redesigned Allis- Chalmers combine. The machine was self-propelled and cut a )40-inch swath through each plot. The treatments were varied somewhat by location. On the locations following grain or legumes, four nitrogen levels 30, 60, 90, and 120 pounds of N; two levels of phosphate 40 and 80 pounds of P 205were applied, Twenty pounds of sulfur was applied in two additional treatments containing N and P at moderate rates. On locations following potatoes, the 120 lb/a of nitrogen and the 80 lb/a rate of phosphate were omitted. Unless otherwise noted, the sources of the fertilizers were as follows: N - Ammonium nitrate 332 per cent P - Treble superphosphate L8 per cent S 2 - ) Gypsum 18 per cent Report prepared by: M. Johnson, Superintendent, Central Oregon Experimental Area, and T. L. Jackson, Extension Soils Specialist, OSC, COOPERATORS: 1. Extension Service, OSC - County agents in Central Oregon counties have selected the farmer cooperators and assisted with establishing and harvesting the fertilizer trials carried out in their respective counties. 2. Agricultural Experiment Station, OSC - Project 73, H. B. Cheney, Department of Soils, project leader. Project 173, L. A. Alban, Department of Soils, project leader. 3. Farmer Cooperators - All of the farmers who have cooperated in this work have been very generous in providing space in their fields and the use of tractors and other equipment for establishing and harvesting the trials. This cooperation is sincerely appreciated. L. Commercial Companies - Fertilizer materials were donated by Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company.

2 -2- The Rodman-Bowman trial was established prior to the above locations. The trial was of the same design but the plot size was 6 x 20 feet, the fertilizers hand applied, and yield estimates were taken from three quadrats harvested from each plot. In this trial, fall and spring applications of ammonium sulfate were compared with comparable treatments of ammonium nitrate. Additional treatments of phosphate and sulfur were applied alone and in combination with nitrogen. As would be expected. there was considerable variation in the yields between locations. In general, the following results were obtained in Central Oregon during No responses to sulfur fertilization were obtained. A significant phosphate response was obtained at the Gregg location only. The soil phosphate levels on this location were between pounds of P per acre. The location had been in alfalfa for several years and bluegrass and quackgrass had come into the stand. Nitrogen alone increased the yield by 10 bushels per acre with little variation between N levels. At 40 pounds of P 205 yields increased another 10 bushels. An additional /40 pounds of P205 increased yield another 5 bushels and allowed differentiation between the N levels. The optimum fertilization level on this location appeared to be 60 pounds of N plus 80 pounds of P205. Nitrogen responses varied with cropping history: Where grain followed a clean vigorous legume stand no responses to nitrogen were obtained. Where grain followed potatoes the optimum level appeared to be 60 pounds of nitrogen. At the Rodman-Bowman location, the optimum level of nitrogen was 80 pounds. Where grain.followedygrairrthe optimum level appeared to be between 60 and 90 pounds of nitrogen. Apparently by chance, the grain following grain locations were seriously affected by outside factors. On one location root rot occurred and on the other two locations frost damage occurred. One of the frosted locations was reseeded and the other was not. On the location not reseeded, (Pearl Weigand) 90 pounds of N resulted in a yield four times as large as the 30 pound rate. At the reseeded location, (Jesse Windham) 60 pounds of N was the optimum level. The Rodman-Bowman location indicated that there were no consistant differences between ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate as a source of N and no differences between fall and spring application of the fertilizers. Soil Samples Soil samples were taken before the fertilizers were applied. Composite samples were taken from two depths (0 to 8 inches and 8 to 16 inches) on each replication. The soil analyses shown are the average values for each location. The Soil Testing Laboratory used the following method in making these analyses: Soil ph - Beckman ph meter on a soil paste Phosphorus - Sodium bicarbonate Potassium Calcium - Extracted with 1 normal ammonium acetate buffered at ph 7,0 Yagnesium

3 Table 1 Crook County Bonneville Barley Fertilizer Trial Stanley Brown - Prineville Legal Description: SE*, Nff*, NE*, S4 1.. T 14S, R15.E Madras Sandy Loam over Sandstone Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Potatoes; 500# fertilizer; T/A 1952 Vol. Barley-Alsike Clover 1951 Hannchen Barley Potatoes (Prior Owner); 800# fertilizer; 17 T/A P Ca Mg Soil Test Value g21l0-1 lb s/a inches inches TIN 1. Check N i)i.8 3. N PO 1 Average 4. N No N P N ' N1P N N2 p N3P Average N1P1S ) N2P1S LSD = None *N = 30 N as ammonium nitrate 1 N 2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N 3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate CV = 12.2% P 40 P205 as treble superphosphde S i - 20 S as gypsum. Increases in yield significant. Increases in yield Compare treatments 2, 6 from application of fertilizer were not statistically from application of phosphorus were not consistent. and 9 or 3, 7 and 10.

4 Table 2 Crook County Elmar Winter Wheat Fertilizer Trial Ed Mink Prineville Legal Description: SEL NW*, SE*, S22, T 14S, R15E Stanfield Fine Sandy Loam Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Potatoes; 500# ; 16 TA Winter Wheat; Potatoes; 500# ; 16 T/A 1945 to 1950 Alfalfa Soil Test Value 0-8 inches 8-16 inches Soil ph P K Ca Mg TW 1. Check N PO P1 Average 3. N N NO Ni Pi N N1P N N2P N3P Average NiPis N2P1S LSD(5%) all treatments = 8.9 LSD(5%)1Rates of N 6.3 *Ni 30 N as ammonium nitrate N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate CV e 7.8% P1 = 40 P205 as treble superphosphde S = 20 S as gypsum Optimum yield increase of 16.5 was produced from 60 of nitrogen, treatment 3, 7, and 10. Cost of nitrogen about $9.00. Increase in yield from application of phosphorus was not statistically significant. Compare 1, 2, 3, )4 with 5, 6, 7, 8. Average yield increase 2.4. Increase in yield from application of sulfur was not significant - -compare treatment 6 with 9 and 7 with 10. Average yield increase 4. Fertilizer treatments did not effect test weight.

5 Table 3 Crook County Hannchen Barley Fertilizer Trial Jesse Windham Prineville Legal Description: SW41, NN*, Nffi S13, T14S, RISE Madras Sandy Loam over Sandstone Soil Series Previous Management: Barley; no fertilizer; Du/A. No previous irrigation. P K Ca Mg Soil Test Value Soil ph 0-8 inches inches Check TW lbs/bu N PO P1 P2 Average 3. N N N N N N N1P N N2P N3P Average N4P N1P N2P LSD(5%) all treatments = N3P LSD(5%) Rates of N = N4P CV. 14.2% L. N1P2S N2P 2S N as ammonium nitrate N4 = 120 N as ammonium nitrate *N1 =- = 60 N as ammonium nitrate P 1 = 40 P205 as treble superphosphdb 2 N = 90 N as ammonium nitrate P2 = 80 P205 as treble superphosphde 3 = 20 S as gypsum Optimum yield increase of 23.5 was produced from 60 of nitrogen. Cost of nitrogen application was about $9.00. Compare treatment 17ttli 3. Heavier applications of nitrogen did not increase yields--compare treatment 3 with 4 & 5. There was no increase in yield from application of phosphorus. Compare treatment 2, 3, 4 and 5 with 6, 7, 8 and 9. There was no increase in yield from application of sulfur. Compare treatment 10 with 14 and 11 with 15. There was a consistent decrease in test weight with increasing rates of nitrogen.

6 Table 4 Deschutes County Hannchen Barley Fertilizer Trial Lee Goodrich Redmond Legal Description: RliE, T14S, Sec.31, SE* of Nff* of NE* Deschutes Sandy Loam Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Potatoes; 400# gyp, 800# ; 200# sulf.amm.; Alsike Clover; 300#landplaster, 300# phos, 50#,* S; 1450# in dirt 1951 Hannchen Barley; no fertilizer, 1 3/4 T/A yield. P K Ca Mg Soil Test Value Soil ph 0-8 inches inches TN 1. Check N P o P1 Average 3. N N o NO N Pl N N 1P N Ng ] N3 P Average NiPiS N2P1S LSD(5%) all treatments z 11.7 LSD(5%) rates of N = 8.3 *Ni = 30 N as ammonium nitrate N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N3-90 N as ammonium nitrate CV = 10.3% PI = 40 P205 treble superphosphate S = 20 S as gypsum Optimum yield increase of 24 was produced from 60 lb/a of nitrogen, treatment 3 & 7. Cost of nitrogen about $9.00. Increase in yield from application of phosphorus was not significant. Compare treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 with 5, 6, 7, 8. Average yield increase 4.3. There was no increase in yield from application of sulfur. Compare treatment 6 with 9 and 7 with 10. Test weight was not affected by fertilizer treatments.

7 Table 5 Deschutes County Federation Springligheat Fertilizer Trial L. A. Gregg Redmond Legal Description: R13E, T15S, Sec.6, NE* of SE* of NE* Previous Management: 1953 Alfalfa; 500# landplaster; 3 T/A 1949 thru 1952 Alfalfa; no fertilizer; 3 T/A P K Ca Soil Test Value Soil ph /2A 0-8 inches inches lield TIN 1. Check N N P o P1 P 2 Average 4. N o 56.8 N ,4 N NiPi N, N2P ' N3P Nei Average N1P N2F , N 3P N4P N1P2 S , N 2P2 S LSD(5%) all treatments = 12.5 LSD(5%) Rates of P = 6.2 N ": 30 N as ammonium nitrate N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate CV = 15% N4 =120 N as ammonium nitrate P1 = 40 P205 treble superphosphate P2 = 80 P205 treble superphosphate S = 20 S as gypsum Optimum yield increase of 28 was produced from 60 lb/a of N plus 80 lb/a of phosphorus (P205). Cost of nitrogen and phosphorus about Increase in yield from nitrogen was significant--compare treatment 1 with 3. Optimum yield increase was produced with combined nitrogen and phosphorus. Compare 2, 3, 14, 5 with 6, 7, 8, 9 and with 10, 11, 12, lb/a P205gave an average increase of 15, 80 lb/a of P205 gave an average yield increase of Decrease in yield from sulfur was not significant--compare treatment 10 with 14 and 11 with 15.

8 Table 6 Deschutes County Federation Spring Wheat Fertilizer Trial Wayne Hamby Bend Legal Description: R12E, T17S, Sec.24, SW* of SE* of NW* Deschutes Sandy Loam Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Potatoes; 800# ; 72 Tons/A Potatoes; 800# plus 300# of Ag. Sulf.;- 121 Tons/A Alsike & Bluegrass Pasture; 100# S & 1950 Alsike & Bluegrass Pasture. P K Ca Mg Soil Test Value Soil ph 0-8 inches inches TW 1. Check N P Average 3. N o P1 4. N Np NI 83, Pi 73.5 N N1P N Ng i N3P Average Nipis N2P1s LSD = None CV = 12.6% *N1 = 30 N as ammonium nitrate N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate Pi - 40 P205 treble superphosphate S = 20 S as gypsum Increases in yield from application of fertilizer were not statistically significant. Some variation Was caused from uneven irrigation.

9 Table 7 Deschutes County Trebi Barley Fertilizer Trial Pearl Weigand Terrebonne Legal Description: R13E, T11S, Sec.l7, aq of SE* of NW* Deschutes Sandy Loam Soil Series Previous Management 1953 Wheat; 150# Am. Sulph.; Potatoes; 900# ; 400 F. sacks 1950 Barley; Nitrogen; 50 Soil Test Value 0-8 inches 8-16 inches Soil ph P K Ca Mg Tff lbs/bu 1. N N Po P1 P2 Average 3. N N Ni , ,2 N N1P N N2P N N 3 1, N4p Average N1P N2P N3P N4P LSD(5%) all treatments = 17.8 LSD(5%) Rates of N = 10.3 CV. 35.5% *N 1 = 30 N as ammonium nitrate N4 =120 N as ammonium nitrate, N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate P1 = 40 P205 treble superphosphate N 3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate P 2 = 80 P205 treble superphosphate This field was badly frosted. Optimum increase in yield was produced from 90 of N--treatment 3, 7 & 11. Average yield Cost of nitrogen about There was no increase in yield from application of phosphorus. Compare 1, 2, 3, 4, with 5, 6, 7, 8. It is difficult to evaluate the optimum rate of fertilizer application because of the serious frost damage. There was a consistent decrease in test weight with increasing rates of nitrogen.

10 Table 8 Jefferson County Federation Wheat Fertilizer Trial Ray Carpenter Madras Legal Description: R13E I T10S, Sec.2, SE* of SE* of NE* Previous Management: 1953 Wheat; 300# Am.Sulph.; Ladino; 100# 41% Soil Sup.; /A 1951 Ladino; 100# 41% Soil Sup.; Ladino; 100# Ag. Sulf.; 400 Soil Test Value 0-8 inches 8-16 inches Soil ph P K Madras Sandy Loam Soil Series Ca Mg lb s/a Tre atme nt* 1. Check 2. N1 3. N2 11. N3 5. N TW N1Pi N2P N3P Nvi N2 '2 N 3 PO P P Average ' Average NiP N2P N3P N4P N1P2S N2P2S LSD = None *Ni = 30 N as ammonium nitrate N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N3 90 N as ammonium nitrate CV = 19.4% N4-120 N as ammonium nitrate P1 = 40 P205 treble superphosphate P2 = 80 P205treble superphosphate S = 20 S as gypsum There was a fairly probably contributed to area. Increases in yield significant. heavy infestation of root rot on this field. This the comparatively low yields for irrigated wheat in this from application of fertilizer were not statistically

11 Table 9 Jefferson County Federation Spring Wheat Fertilizer Trial Lloyd Houts Madras Legal Description: R13E, T1OS, Sec.23, SW* of SEi of NEi Madras Sandy Loam Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Red Clover; no fertilizer; 70 (seed) 1952 Wheat; 200# Am.Nit.; Red Clover; no fertilizer; 350 (seed) 1950 Red Clover; 100# Ag. Sulf.; 400 (seed) 1949 Barley Soil Test Values 0-8 inches 8-16 inches Soil ph P K Ca M lbs A TN 1. Check N P P o 1 P 2 Average 3. N N N N N N 3 N N1P N2P N3P Average N4p N1P N2P N3P N4P )4. N ip2s N2p2s 6) LSD = None CV = 11.6% *N = 30 N as ammonium nitrate 1 N2 = 60 N as ammonium nitrate N 3 = 90 N as ammonium nitrate N4 =120 N as ammonium nitrate P1 = 40 P205 as treble superphosphate P2 = 80 P205 as treble superphosphate S = 20 S as gypsum There was no increase in yield from application of fertilizer. The previous crop of Red Clover supplied all of the nitrogen the crop could use.

12 Table 10 Jefferson County Elmar Winter Wheat Fertilizer Trial Rodman & Bowman Culver Legal Description: SEi, NUL Sq Sec.21, R13E, T12S Madras Loam Soil Series Previous Management: 1953 Potatoes; 500 lbs , 200 lbs Am.Sul., 1,000 lbs gypsum; yield 18T/A 1952 Alsike Seed; 200 lbs. gypsum; Fed. Wheat; no fertilizer; Potatoes; 500 lbs , 200 lbs Am.Sul.; yield 21 T/A P K Ca Mg Soil Test Value Soil ph 0-8 inches inches Treatment-- lbs A N \I/ Ammonium Sulfate Ammonium Nitrate ---PiTs S ulfur** Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring * * of this treatment is law--probably due to differential irrigation. **Sulfur was added to balance S in comparable rates of Am. Sul. LSD(5%) any two treatments means = LSD(5%) rates of Am. Sul. = Optimum increase in yield, 40 bu/a, was produced with 80 lb/a of N. Approximate fertilizer cost $13.00 per acre. There was no consistent differences in yield from different sources of nitrogen or from the different times of application of nitrogen fertilizer. Additional treatments (not shown in the table of yields) included sulfur alone, phosphorus alone, nitrogen plus phosphorus, and nitrogen plus phosphorus plus sulfur. There were no significant differences in yield from application of sulfur or phosphorus alone or in combination with each other.