scholarly journals Reducing N Fertilization without Yield Penalties in Maize with a Commercially Available Seed Dressing

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Codruta Maris ◽  
Federico Capra ◽  
Federico Ardenti ◽  
Marcello E. Chiodini ◽  
Roberta Boselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Seed Dressing ◽  
Productivity Potential

Introducing smart and sustainable tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation is a major need to support agriculture’s productivity potential. We assessed the effects of the processed gypsum seed dressing SOP® COCUS MAIZE+ (SCM), combined with a gradient of N fertilization rates (i.e., 0%, 70% equal to 160 kg N ha−1, and 100% equal to 230 kg N ha−1) in maize (Zea mays L.), on: (i) grain yield, (ii) root length density (RLD) and diameter class length (DCL), (iii) biodiversity of soil bacteria and fungi, and (iv) Greenhouse Gases (GHGs, i.e., N2O, CO2, and CH4) emission. Grain yield increased with SCM by 1 Mg ha−1 (+8%). The same occurred for overall RLD (+12%) and DCL of very fine, fine, and medium root classes. At anthesis, soil microbial biodiversity was not affected by treatments, suggesting earlier plant-rhizosphere interactions. Soil GHGs showed that (i) the main driver of N losses as N2O is the N-fertilization level, and (ii) decreasing N-fertilization in maize from 100% to 70% decreased N2O emissions by 509 mg N-N2O m−2 y−1. Since maize grain yield under SCM with 70% N-fertilization was similar to that under Control with 100% N-fertilization, we concluded that under our experimental conditions SCM may be used for reducing N input (−30%) and N2O emissions (−23%), while contemporarily maintaining maize yield. Hence, SCM can be considered an available tool to improve agriculture’s alignment to the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and to comply with Europe’s Farm to Fork strategy for reducing N-fertilizer inputs.

scholarly journals Environmental Impact of Rotationally Grazed Pastures at Different Management Intensities in South Africa

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1214
Author(s):  
Hendrik P. J. Smit ◽  
Thorsten Reinsch ◽  
Pieter A. Swanepoel ◽  
Ralf Loges ◽  
Christof Kluß ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Enteric Fermentation ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Grazed Pastures ◽  
Soil C And N

Nitrogen fertilization, irrigation and concentrate feeding are important factors in rotational pasture management for dairy farms in South Africa. The extent to which these factors affect environmental efficiency is subject to current and intense debate among scientists. A three-year field study was conducted to investigate the yield response of different N-fertilizer treatments (0 (N0), 220 (N20), 440 (N40), 660 (N60) and 880 (N80) kg N ha−1 year−1) on grazed pastures and to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of milk produced. Excessive N-fertilization (N60 and N80) did not increase herbage dry matter and energy yields from pastures. However, N80 indicated the highest N-yield but at the same time also the highest N surpluses at field level. A maximum fertilizer rate of 220 kg ha−1 year−1 (in addition to excreted N from grazing animals) appears sufficient to ensure adequate herbage yields (~20 t DM ha−1 year−1) with a slightly positive field-N-balance. This amount will prevent the depletion of soil C and N, with low N losses to the environment, where adequate milk yields of ~17 t ECM ha−1 with a low CF (~1.3 kg CO2 kg ECM−1) are reached. Methane from enteric fermentation (~49% ± 3.3) and N2O (~16% ± 3.2) emissions from irrigated pastures were the main contributors to the CF. A further CF reduction can be achieved by improved N-fertilization planning, low emission irrigation techniques and strategies to limit N2O emissions from pasture soils in South Africa.

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and its Interaction with Temperature and Nitrogen on Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): A Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekides Woldegiorgis Gardi ◽  
Bettina I.G Haussmann ◽  
Waqas Ahmed Malik ◽  
Petra Högy
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Additional Stress ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Grain Number ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Elevated Atmospheric Co2 ◽  
The Mean

Abstract AimsThe general aim of this meta-analysis is to synthesize and summarise the mean response of barley yield variables to elevated CO2 (eCO2) and its interaction with temperature and N fertilization. Methods The present study quantitatively synthesized the response of barley to eCO2 and its interaction with temperature, and Nitrogen (N). A meta-analysis procedure was used to analyse five yield variables of barley extracted from 76 articles to determine the effect size and the magnitude in relation to eCO2 and its interaction with temperature and N. Results CO2 enrichment increased biomass (23.8%), grain number (24.8%), grain yield (27.4%), and thousand-grain weight (5.6%). However, responses to eCO2 were affected by genotype, additional stress, and experimental conditions. In comparison, genotype “Anakin” shows the highest response of biomass (47.1%), while “Genebank accessions” had a higher grain number (46.1%) and grain yield (57.1%) under eCO2. The maximal enhancement of barley yield was observed when plants grow under a combination of eCO2 and higher nitrogen fertilizer (>100 kg ha-1). Nevertheless, biomass (-12%), and grain yield (-17%) responses were lower when eCO2 is combined with high temperature (>25 °C). It was further noted the response of barley yield to eCO2 was higher in the growth chamber than in other CO2 exposure methods. Moreover, comparing pot-rooted versus field-rooted barley plants, a higher response of biomass and grain yield was observed for pot-rooted plants. ConclusionsOverall, results suggest that the maximal barley production under eCO2 will be obtained in combination with high nitrogen fertilizer and optimal temperature (21-25 °C).

scholarly journals Effect of nitrogen fertilization on maize yield responses to soil microbial activity and root length density in the North China Plain

2021 ◽  
Vol 237 ◽  
pp. 01042
Author(s):  
Qiuhua Li ◽  
Jingjing Sun ◽  
Jun Yao ◽  
Qunhui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Soil Microbial Activity ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
The North ◽  
N Fertilizer Rate

A maize field experiment in the North China Plain was conducted to understand the effect of different N fertilizer rate on the yield of maize, using soil microbial activity and root length density (RLD) as performance parameters, due to their possibility to enhance productivity. The four N fertilizer rates were 0 (N0), 120 (N120), 210 (N210) and 300 (N300) kg N hm-2. The results indicated that nitrogen (N) fertilizer had a significant influence not only on yield (p<0.05), but also on root length density (p<0.05) and soil microbial activity (p<0.05). In addition, the soil microbial activity and RLD were significantly related with maize yield. RLD differences were generally evident within the 100 cm soil layer, whereas there was no difference in the deeper soil under different N treatments. The most RLD concentrated in 0-60cm soil layer under N0, N120 and in 0-90cm soil layer under N210, N300. The microbial growth rate constant (k) was greater in N210 than other treatments. Generally, N fertilizer application can stimulate root growth and microbial activity, meanwhile, they can interact with each other, heighten the availability of N fertilizer in soil, thus enhanced yield of maize. According to our study, 210 kg N hm-2 was the optimum N fertilizer rate to achieve maximum yield and sustain the soil productivity.

scholarly journals Nutritional status and fruit production of Carica papaya as a function of coated and conventional urea

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel B. da Silva Júnior ◽  
Eduardo M. dos Santos ◽  
Roberto L. Silva ◽  
Ítalo H. L. Cavalcante
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Production ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Soil Mineral ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
N Sources ◽  
N Release ◽  
Coated Urea ◽  
Polymer Coated Urea

ABSTRACT As a strategy to minimize N losses in the soil, mineral N sources, such as polymer-coated urea, have been studied as possibility to increase the synchronization of N release by the fertilizer and its absorption by plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the contents of macronutrients and the production of Formosa papaya as a function of sources and doses of N fertilizer applied as top-dressing in the region of Bom Jesus-PI, Brazil. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme corresponding to N sources (coated urea and conventional urea) and N doses (350, 440, 530 and 620 g plant-1 of N), with four replicates and four plants per plot. The contents of macronutrients in the leaf dry matter and fruit production were evaluated. The sources and doses of top-dressing N fertilization incremented the leaf contents of macronutrients and the production of Formosa papaya hybrid Caliman 01. Under the experimental conditions and based on the macronutrient contents considered as adequate for crop nutrition, associated with maximum fruit production (8.08 kg plant-1), the supply of 525 g of N plant-1 is recommended in the form of coated urea.

scholarly journals Emission of nitrous oxide in flooded rice cultivation in tropical area of Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoná Serpa Mascarenhas ◽  
Mellissa Ananias Soler da Silva ◽  
Vládia Correchel ◽  
Alberto Baêta dos Santos ◽  
Márcia Thaís de Melo Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Block Design ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Rice Cultivation ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Flooded Rice ◽  
N2o Fluxes

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizers on the N dynamics and grain yield in flooded rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation in Brazilian tropical wetland. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with six treatments, as follows: common and protected urea; topdressing application of N doses (30, 70, and 150 kg ha-1); and one control treatment, without N fertilization. Emissions of N2O-N, global warming potential (pGWP), emission factors (EF) for mineral fertilizers, grain yield, emission intensity, nitrate, ammonium, pH, and potential redox were quantified. Gas sampling was carried out in two crop seasons of rice cultivation and in one off-season. During the flooded period of the two crop seasons, N2O fluxes did not exceed 862.41 μg m-2 h-1 N2O-N; in the off-season, the fluxes varied from -52.95 to 274.34 μg m-2 h-1 N2O-N. Consistent emission peaks were observed in soil draining before harvest, when the highest rate of both N sources was used, and also in the control treatment in the off-season. Protected urea does not reduce N2O emissions or EF. Nitrogen increases the grain yield. Protected urea does not have any effect on the pGWP. The concentrations of NO3- and NH4+ in the soil are not related to N2O fluxes.

Effect of N Fertilization on Grain Yield of Winter Wheat and Apparent N Losses

Pedosphere ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 806-812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen-Ling CUI ◽  
Xin-Ping CHEN ◽  
Jun-Liang LI ◽  
Jiu-Fei XU ◽  
Li-Wei SHI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Losses

scholarly journals One-time root-zone N fertilization increases maize yield, NUE and reduces soil N losses in lime concretion black soil

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaoqiang Jiang ◽  
Dianjun Lu ◽  
Chaolong Zu ◽  
Jia Shen ◽  
Shiji Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Zone ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Black Soil ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Soil N ◽  
N Losses

scholarly journals Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization Impacts on Soil Bacteria, Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Wheat in Semiarid Loess Plateau, China

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1175
Author(s):  
Aixia Xu ◽  
Lingling Li ◽  
Jeffrey A. Coulter ◽  
Junhong Xie ◽  
Subramaniam Gopalakrishnan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Soil Bacteria ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Nitrogen Use ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Soil Bacterial

Soil bacteria are key components of the soil microbial community contributing to soil health. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is an important factor that affects soil microbial community and cereal production. This study aims to explore the impact of long-term N fertilization on soil bacterial diversity, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and the grain yield of wheat in the semiarid region of Loess Plateau, China. The field experiment was conducted from 2003 to 2018 including five N treatments: 0 (N0), 52.5 (N52.5), 105 (N105), 157.5 (N157.5), and 210 (N210) kg N ha−1 yr−1. The soil pH was decreased by the N fertilization, while the soil ammonium, nitrate, and available phosphorus were increased. The N uptake and grain yield of wheat were significantly increased with N and the highest NUE (28%) and grain yield (44% higher than control) were observed at 105 kg N ha−1, but no significant increase in yield was observed by further increasing N rate. The bacterial diversity was significantly increased at N105. Soil bacteria community was strongly related to soil chemical properties and ammonium content was the most important contributor. The dominant soil bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Verrucomicrobia, and Planctomycetes. The higher grain yield of wheat was related to the higher class Gammaproteobacteria and Sphingobacteriia abundance, and lower class Acidobacteria and Chloroflexia abundance. In summary, 105 kg ha−1 yr−1 was the optimum rate of N for diversified soil bacterial community and wheat yield for sustainable wheat production in semiarid Loess Plateau of China, whose higher N use efficiency was attributed to the higher phyla Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes, and lower Proteobacteria abundance.

scholarly journals Direct and Indirect Effects of Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors on N2O-N Losses from Urea Fertilization to Winter Wheat in Southern Germany

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuncai Hu ◽  
Manuela P. Gaßner ◽  
Andreas Weber ◽  
Martine Schraml ◽  
Urs Schmidhalter
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Nitrification Inhibitors ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Southern Germany

Urea (U) is the most important nitrogen (N) fertilizer in agriculture worldwide, and as N fertilizer can result in large gaseous losses of NH3 and N2O. Thus, urease inhibitors (UIs) and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) have been coupled with U fertilizers to mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions. However, it is still unclear whether adding NIs and/or UIs to U stimulates other pollutants, while reducing one pollutant. Furthermore, part of the NH3 deposition to earth is converted to N2O, leading to indirect N2O emission. To estimate direct and indirect effect of UIs and NIs on the N2O-N and NH3-N losses from U; therefore, we analyzed multi-year field experiments from the same site during 2004 to 2005 and 2011 to 2013. The field experiments with U fertilization with or without UI (IPAT, N-isopropoxycarbonyl phosphoric acid triamide) and NI (DCD/TZ, Dicyandiamide/1H-1, 2, 4-Triazol) in winter wheat and with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) were conducted in southern Germany. Fluxes of NH3 or N2O emissions were determined following each split N fertilization in separate experiments on the same site. Our results showed that U with NIs considerably reduced N2O emissions, and adding UIs decreased NH3 emissions. However, the effect on N2O emissions exerted by (U + UIs) or (U + UIs + NIs) was inconsistent. In contrast to the treatment of (U + UIs + NIs), the addition of NIs alone to U stimulated NH3 emission compared to treatment with U. When 1% indirect N2O emission from NH3 (IPCC emission factor (EF4)) was considered to estimate the indirect N2O emission, total N2O emissions from (U + NIs) were approximately 29% compared to that from U alone and 36% compared to that from (U + UI), indicating that indirect N2O emission from NH3 induced by NIs may be negligible.

scholarly journals Marine and fungal biostimulants improve grain yield, nitrogen absorption and allocation in durum wheat plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 158 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-287
Author(s):  
Eve-Anne Laurent ◽  
Nawel Ahmed ◽  
Céline Durieu ◽  
Philippe Grieu ◽  
Thierry Lamaze
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Leaf Senescence ◽  
Flag Leaf ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Chlorophyll Concentration ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Total N ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDurum wheat culture requires a high level of N fertilization to achieve ideal protein concentration for semolina and pasta quality, contributing to N losses. Optimizing plant N use efficiency could improve agro-environmental balance. In the current paper, we studied the impact of the marine (DPI4913) and fungal (AF086) extracts (biostimulants) applied on leaves on growth, N absorption and N fluxes in durum wheat in field and greenhouse experiments. In the field, 15NO3− and 15NH4+ were injected into the soil; in the greenhouse, N of the flag-leaf was labelled with 15NH4+. Flag-leaf senescence was studied by estimating leaf chlorophyll concentration. In greenhouse, biostimulants increased grain yield, total N in plant and the proportion of plant N in ears. When water was limited in greenhouse experiment, neither biostimulants had any effect. In the field, DPI4913 increased soil fertilizer-derived 15N accumulated in grains. In the greenhouse, biostimulants increased the proportion of 15N applied to the flag-leaf recovered in grains and accelerated leaf senescence. For plants treated with biostimulants, flag-leaf N resorption increased. Biostimulants had a larger positive impact on mineral N root uptake than on N remobilization. In conclusion, our study has shown that DPI4913 and AF086 can promote plant growth and grain yield, N uptake and remobilization. Thus, these biostimulants could be used to optimize durum wheat N fertilization and contribute to reduced N losses.

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