Evaluation of the Effects Added Nitrogen Interaction on Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency Calculations

Abstract

Two studies were conducted in 1996 and 1997 at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) to evaluate the added nitrogen interaction (ANI) or ‘priming effect’ on the determination of nitrogen recovery efficiencies (NRE). The method employed was to compare NRE’s as calculated by two different methods; the difference technique and the isotopic technique. The difference in NREs observed between the two methods indicates the extent of an ANI. Results demonstrated no statistical differences between NRE’s calculated by the two methods. Therefore, no ANI was observed in the field. These results indicate that the less expensive method of calculating NREs (difference technique) is sufficient under irrigated cotton production systems in the desert Southwest.