Nitrogen distribution in hybrid and local corn varieties and its possible relationship to a declining soil nitrogen pool under shifting agriculture at Indian Church, Belize

Nitrogen levels at harvest in hybrid corn and weeds were determined over a three year period. Nitrogen losses due to grain removal accounted for 45% of all assimilated-N in the milpa. Percent N and percent P levels in the hybrid and a local black corn were also determined. Uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in roots and leaves of both varieties were sigmoid until reproductive growth was initiated, at which time the percentage of both nutrients in the leaves declined rapidly. Levels in the seed at maturity in the hybrid variety accounted for 78% N and 52% P; levels were 58% N and 50% P in the local corn. Hybrid corn was not considered suitable for local farmers because a high percentage of total-N was removed at harvest and the hybrid had a high susceptibility to weevil attack.