Graduate Student (M.Sc.) Position Influence of inbred vigour on nitrogen fertilizer requirement and risk of environmental loss.

In the seed corn industry there is considerable variation in inbred vigor in terms of seed yield and quality (seed size, cob size, number of kernels per cob etc.) and also plant morphology such as plant height and leaf area. But little is known about N requirement or N content among inbreds with different vigour.  Thus, this project will look at industry extremes, so called ‘strong and weak’ inbreds, to determine if they require different rates of nitrogen fertilizer. If this research shows a difference in N requirements, then growers may be able to adjust N rates accordingly without affecting yields or quality and in some instances lowering input costs.  As well, this research has an environmental focus of assessing the risk of N losses from the field.  The seed corn industry is very involved in this project with funding and research cooperation from both producers and seed companies. SEE PDF attached for information.