Chloride Fertilization Increases Yields of Corn and Grain Sorghum
Research across Kansas and the Great Plains has shown wheat responds con-sistently to Cl fertilization, particularly when soil Cl levels are less than 20 lb/A (0 to 24-inch depth). Chloride sensitive cultivars often show 5 to15 bu/A yield responses when Cl is applied. These results have prompted the question: What about Cl needs on corn and grain sorghum?

To address this question, studies were conducted at several sites in Kansas during 1998 and 1999 to evaluate Cl rates and sources on corn and grain sorghum. Chloride rates (0, 20, 40 lb/A) and sources, including potassium chloride (KCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2 ), and sodium chloride (NaCl), were evaluated during the course of this work. All Cl treatments were surface broadcast at planting time.