Corn Growth on Gardena Surface and Subsoil as Affected by Applications of Fertilizer and Manure

A study was conducted in the field to evaluate the fertility requirements of a Gardena fine sandy loam subsoil as compared to an undisturbed soil. Corn was grown on both areas the first and third years after land leveling. Where the topsoil had been removed, the most deficient element was N, followed by P and then Zn. Zn increased corn grain yields both the year it was applied, and 2 years later. Manure applied the first year after leveling increased corn yields that year, and supplied residual P and Zn 2 years later. However, the yields on manured plots were not as high as those obtained with applications of N, P and Zn. Applications of N and P increased yields slightly on the undisturbed area. It was necessary to apply N, P, Zn and manure to make yields on the subsoil equal those on the surface soil.