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Graduation Term

Summer 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Agriculture

Committee Chair

Fanson Kidwaro

Committee Member

Rob Rickerd

Committee Member

Nicholas Heller

Abstract

White corn (Zea mays L.) is a food-grade grain valued for its unique endosperm characteristics and used in products such as tortillas, snacks, and chips. As demand increases, effective nutrient management is essential for improving yield and promoting sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and compost application on the grain yield of white corn over two growing seasons 2023 and 2024. A split-plot field design was used, with compost (applied or not applied) as the main plot factor and four urea nitrogen urea CO(NH₂)₂ rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N/ha) as subplot treatments. Compost consisted of decomposed manure, straw, leaves, and beneficial microbial populations that support organic matter breakdown. Grain yield data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure in SAS. Results showed significant main effects of the year, compost, and nitrogen rate on grain yield. Nitrogen application consistently improved yield, reaching a maximum average of 18,866 kg/ha at 168 kg N/ha. (16,826 lbs./ac at 150 lbs/ac) Compost effects were inconsistent yield increased slightly in 2023 but declined in 2024 suggesting that environmental factors influenced compost performance. A significant year and nitrogen interaction further highlighted the effect of seasonal variability on crop response. No significant compost and nitrogen interaction was observed. These findings emphasize the benefits of moderate to high nitrogen application and the variable effectiveness of compost under field conditions. While compost may not reliably enhance short-term yield, it may offer long-term soil health benefits and, if optimized, could help reduce dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. This could lower production costs and improve the sustainability of white corn production systems.

Access Type

Thesis-ISU Access Only

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD.1763755358.795055

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