Divisive field-scale associations between corn yields, management, and soil information

For corn crops on soils with fine texture in eastern Canada, research has been ongoing on the relationships between corn grain yields and management practice, soil strength/compaction, and soil nutrient status. However, these variables can operate in a complex manner that may not be detectable via uni-structural models. This study used regression-tree analysis, in an exploratory context, to model corn grain yields over a relatively flat clay to silty loam field on the basis of several soil physical, soil nitrate, and management variables. It was found that corn grain yields were first subdivided by length of time under corn production (1st and 3rd year corn groups). These yield groups were further subdivided by cone penetration resistance, elevation, soil nitrate, and soil texture information. Generally, higher corn grain yields were associated with 1st year corn, lower relative soil strength/compaction, and higher post-growing season soil nitrate levels. The modeled results helped to identify equifinality, context dependent relationships, and spatial continuity in inferred formative mechanisms; issues important in many field and/or landscape studies of spatial processes.