1. Changes in Nitrogen use Efficiency and Soil Quality After Five Years of Managing for High Yield Corn and Soybean

Average corn gain yields in the USA have increased linearly at a rate of 1.7 bulacre over the past 35 years with a national yield average of 130 bdacre. Corn yield contest winners and simulation models, ho ~ever, indicate there is -100 bda in exploitable corn yield gap. Six years (1999-2004) of plant development, grain yield and nutrient uptake \yere compared in intensive irrigated maize systems representing (a) recommended best management practices for a yield goal of 200 bdacre (Ml) and (b) intensive...