Residual Soil Nitrogen Credits for Corn Production along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast Region

ABSTRACT Studies were conducted to evaluate response of dryland corn (Zea mays L.) along the upper Texas Gulf Coast to residual soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) measured to depths of 15, 30, and 61 cm. Residual soil NO3-N levels ranged from 3.4 to 31.6, 7.8 to 49.3, and 9.0 to 71.7 kg ha−1, respectively, in 0 to 15, 15 to 30, and 30 to 61 cm depth increments, with cumulative NO3-N ranging from 23.5 to 114.5 kg ha−1 across sites-years. Where N fertilizer was reduced due to N crediting, yields and bushel weights at all 13 site-years showed no difference from those receiving full recommended N rates. A yield response to any level of added fertilizer N above the control was observed for only 6 of 13 site-years. These results indicate a high potential for success in crediting carryover soil NO3-N to 61 cm as a means of reducing applied nitrogen fertilizer rates.