Organic strategies for growing corn under low-nitrogen stress

Frank Kutka, Cornell University

Corn is a plant with high nitrogen requirements. Levels of soil nitrogen that are lower than what the plants need at specific times during growth can limit yield and feed quality characteristics. We set out to investigate the utility of several methods of addressing possible low soil N on corn grown in the organic farming system used in central New York State. These methods were inoculation with symbiotic fungi (T-22, Trichoderma harzianum), choice of variety, and planting density. We wanted to know how these treatments would effect yield and the feed quality of the grain when nitrogen stress was present.

Region

Northeast

Topic

Crop Nutrient Management

Category

Grain and Field Crops

Date Range

2001-2010

Funding Amount

$13,090

Funding Year

2002

Location

Penn Yan,

Collaborators

Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens, Penn Yan, NY
Guy Christensen, Penn Yan, NY