scholarly journals Optimal Nitrogen Application Rates of One-Time Root Zone Fertilization and the Effect of Reducing Nitrogen Application on Summer Maize

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaoqiang Jiang ◽  
Xuexiang Ren ◽  
Huoyan Wang ◽  
Dianjun Lu ◽  
Chaolong Zu ◽  
...  

Improvement in fertilization methods, including the optimal matching of nutrient supply and root nutrient absorption by applying nitrogen (N) in the root zone of crop, is necessary to improve N use efficiency (NUE), maintain high stable yield cultivation of maize, and contribute toward future environmental protection. The current practice of split surface broadcasting (SSB) of N is labor-intensive and the surface broadcasting causes a large amount of N to leach into the environment, yet it does not substantially increase maize yield. Root zone fertilization (RZF) has been identified as an efficient way to solve such problems. However, information on the appropriate amount of N fertilizer under RZF for summer maize remains limited. Therefore, in this study, a two-year consecutive field experiment was conducted during 2015–2016 in Anhui province, China, to investigate the effect of N rate and application method on grain yield, nutrient uptake, and NUE of summer maize. The method chosen is not only important to increase grain yield but also critical for reducing N rate and potential loss in the maize cropping system. The experiment comprised six N rates (90, 135, 180, 225, 270, and 360 kg N hm−2) and two N application methods in both 2015 and 2016. The two N application methods included SSB and one-time RZF. Results showed that grain yield of summer maize increased first and then decreased with the increase of N rate; however, when the N rate increased to 270 kg hm−2, the grain yield increased slowly or even decreased. Compared with SSB, RZF increased grain yield by 4%, and the effect of N on grain yield was mainly related to the number of kernels per ear and 1000-seed weight. One-time RZF increased N apparent recovery efficiency by 18% (7.2 percentage points) compared with SSB and also improved the N agronomic efficiency, N physiological efficiency, and N partial factor productivity. In the comprehensive consideration of yield target, NUE, and soil N balance, the optimal N rate for summer maize in the vertisol soil of Anhui province was 180–225 kg hm−2 for one-time RZF, which reduced N fertilizer by 14% compared with the SSB. Overall, one-time RZF has great potential for green and sustainable agriculture, and thus fertilization machines are worthy of development and application in maize cropping systems.

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 156-163
Author(s):  
Wang Dapeng ◽  
Zheng Liang ◽  
Gu Songdong ◽  
Shi Yuefeng ◽  
Liang Long ◽  
...  

Excessive nitrogen (N) and water input, which are threatening the sustainability of conventional agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP), can lead to serious leaching of nitrate-N (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N). This study evaluates grain yield, N and water consumption, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation and leaching in conventional and two optimized winter wheat-summer maize double-cropping systems and an organic alfalfa-winter wheat cropping system. The results showed that compared to the conventional cropping system, the optimized systems could reduce N, water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching by 33, 35 and 67–74%, respectively, while producing nearly identical grain yields. In optimized systems, soil NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation within the root zone was about 80 kg N/ha most of the time. In the organic system, N input, water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching was reduced even more (by 71, 43 and 92%, respectively, compared to the conventional system). However, grain yield also declined by 46%. In the organic system, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation within the root zone was generally less than 30 kg N/ha. The optimized systems showed a considerable potential to reduce N and water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching while maintaining high grain yields, and thus should be considered for sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.  


Author(s):  
AFM Mamun ◽  
SK Mazumder ◽  
TP Suvo ◽  
S Akter

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November 2009 to July 2010 to study the effect of variety and varying levels of nitrogen application to ratoon crop of boro rice. Four varieties (BRRI hybrid dhan2, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan35 and BRRI dhan47) and four doses of nitrogen (0%, 25%, 50% and 75% N of recommended dose) were tested. These doses of N fertilizer were applied to the ratoon crop just after harvesting of the main crop leaving 15 cm stuble height above the ground level. Among the main crop BRRI hybrid dhan2 produced significantly highest grain yield (7.037 t ha-1). In the ratoon crop grain yield of BRRI hybrid dhan2 and BRRI dhan29 with all levels of N application produced significantly higher grain yield (710-917 kg ha-1). So, BRRI hybrid dhan2 and BRRI dhan29 with 25% extra N application could be considered for ratoon cropping. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 9 (1): 48-57, June, 2019


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Michele Andrea De Santis ◽  
Michele Rinaldi ◽  
Valeria Menga ◽  
Pasquale Codianni ◽  
Luigia Giuzio ◽  
...  

Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a −50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Aloysius Beah ◽  
Alpha Y. Kamara ◽  
Jibrin M. Jibrin ◽  
Folorunso M. Akinseye ◽  
Abdullahi I. Tofa ◽  
...  

This paper assessed the application of the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM)–maize module as a decision support tool for optimizing nitrogen application to determine yield and net return of maize production under current agricultural practices in the Nigeria savannas. The model was calibrated for two maize varieties using data from field experiments conducted under optimum conditions in three locations during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The model was evaluated using an independent dataset from an experiment conducted under different nitrogen (N) levels in two locations within Southern and Northern Guinea savannas. The results show that model accurately predicted days to 50% anthesis and physiological maturity, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield and total dry matter (TDM) of both varieties with low RMSE and RMSEn (%) values within the range of acceptable statistics indices. Based on 31-year seasonal simulation, optimum mean grain yield of 3941 kg ha−1 for Abuja, and 4549 for Kano was simulated at N rate of 120 kg ha–1 for the early maturing variety 2009EVDT. Meanwhile in Zaria, optimum mean yield of 4173 kg ha–1 was simulated at N rate of 90 kg ha−1. For the intermediate maturing variety, IWDC2SYNF2 mean optimum yields of 5152, 5462, and 4849 kg ha−1, were simulated at N application of 120 kg ha−1 for all the locations. The probability of exceeding attainable mean grain yield of 3000 and 4000 kg ha−1 for 2009EVDT and IWDC2SYNF2, respectively would be expected in 95% of the years with application of 90 kg N ha−1 across the three sites. Following the profitability scenarios analysis, the realistic net incomes of US$ 536 ha–1 for Abuja, and US$ 657 ha−1 for Zaria were estimated at N rate of 90 kg ha−1 and at Kano site, realistic net income of US$ 720 ha–1was estimated at N rate of 120 kg ha−1 for 2009EVDT.For IWDC2SYNF2, realistic net incomes of US$ 870, 974, and 818 ha−1 were estimated at N application of 120 kg ha−1 for Abuja, Zaria, and Kano respectively. The result of this study suggests that 90 kg N ha−1 can be recommended for 2009EVDT and 120 kg N ha–1 for IWDC2SYNF2 in Abuja and Zaria while in Kano, 120 kg N ha−1 should be applied to both varieties to attain optimum yield and profit.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
K Pariyar ◽  
A Chaudhary ◽  
P Sapkota ◽  
S Sharma ◽  
CB Rana ◽  
...  

The effects of two tillage methods (zero tillage and conventional tillage), two residue managements (residue kept and residue removed) and two levels of cropping system (maize + soybean and sole maize) were studied over 3 years (2015-2017) at Dailekh district of Nepal. Arun-2 and Puja were the varieties of maize and soybean used respectively, followed by winter wheat. The results revealed that the maize + soybean system had significantly higher plant population and ear population (34.83 thousands ha-1 and 34.35 thousands ha-1, respectively), grains per row (37.1), ear length (16.6 cm) and 20.5% higher grain yield as compared to sole maize. The highest maize equivalent yield (7.92 t ha-1) was recorded in maize + soybean as compared to the lower grain yield equivalent (7.06 t ha-1) in sole maize. Zero tillage accounted relatively higher benefits (high net income and B:C ratio) as compared to conventional tillage. The residue kept plot resulted significantly higher B:C ratio (2.41) than the residue removed (2.11) and the maize + soybean recorded 82.5% greater B:C ratio compared to sole maize. Net annual income was significantly higher in zero tillage, residue kept and maize + soybean system (NRs. 223072.00, 222958.00 and 269016.00 ha-1 respectively). Such combinations are recommended for Dailekh district of Nepal to have profitable crop productivity. SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 49-63 (2019)


2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Ma ◽  
M. Li ◽  
L. M. Dwyer ◽  
G. Stewart

Little information is available comparing agronomic performance and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for N application methods such as foliar spray, soil application, and ear injection in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various N application methods on total stover dry matter, grain yield, and NUE of maize hybrids using a 15N-labeling approach. A field experiment was conducted on a Dalhousie clay loam in Ottawa and a Guelph loam in Guelph for 2 yr (1999 and 2000). Three N application methods were tested on two maize hybrids, Pioneer 3893 and Pioneer 38P06 Bt. At planting, 60 kg N ha-1 as ammonium nitrate was applied to all treatments. In addition, 6.5 kg N ha-1 and 13.5 kg N ha-1 as 15N-labeled urea were applied to either foliage (Treatment I) or soil (Treatment II) at V6 and V12 stages, respectively. In Treatment III, 20 kg N ha-1 as 15N-labeled urea was injected into space between ear and husks at silking. The results showed that compared with soil N application neither foliar spray nor injection through ear affected grain yield or stover dry matter. The NUE values ranged from 12 to 76% for N fertilizer applied at V6 a nd V12 stages, or at silking for all treatments. There was no interaction of hybrid × N application methods on any variables measured with the only exception that for soil N application, grain NUE in Pioneer 38P06 Bt was significant higher than in Pioneer 3893. The difference in total N and NUE of grain and stover between soil N application and foliar N spray was inconsistent. However, NUE was substantially higher for N injection through the ear than for foliar or soil application without differential responses between the two hybrids. Nitrogen injection through the ear at silking might have altered N redistribution within the plant and improved NUE. Hence, it can potentially enhance grain protein content. Foliar N spray is not advocated for maize production in Ontario. Key words: Maize, Zea mays, nitrogen application methods, nitrogen-15, yield, nitrogen use efficiency


1974 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Prabhakaran Nair ◽  
R. P. Singh

SUMMARYAt Pantnagar, India, linear response in maize to nitrogen application was observed up to 150 kg. of N/ha. with some of the most promising hybrids and composites released by the All India Co-ordinated Maize Improvement Programme. Increase in grain yield, and total nitrogen accumulation in grain, were substantially more in Ganga 2 than in the local cultivar or the composites, at higher rates of N application. In absolute terms, the local cultivar accumulated more nitrogen in its grain, but the relative amounts declined at higher rates of N application. Among the yield components influencing ultimate grain yield, barrenness exerted a negative influence on grain yield through the number of cobs per plot. Among cob characters, such as thousand grain weight and number of grains per cob, the former exerted a substantial influence on grain yield.


Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 780
Author(s):  
Muhammad Qaswar ◽  
Jing Huang ◽  
Waqas Ahmed ◽  
Dongchu Li ◽  
Shujun Liu ◽  
...  

Cultivation of green manure (GM) crops in intensive cropping systems is important for enhancing crop productivity through soil quality improvement. We investigated yield sustainability, nutrient stocks, nutrient balances and enzyme activities affected by different long-term (1982–2016) green manure rotations in acidic paddy soil in a double-rice cropping system. We selected four treatments from a long-term experiment, including (1) rice-rice-winter fallow as a control treatment (R-R-F), (2) rice-rice-milkvetch (R-R-M), (3) rice-rice-rapeseed (R-R-R), and (4) rice-rice-ryegrass (R-R-G). The results showed that different GM rotations increased grain yield and the sustainable yield index compared with those of the R-R-F treatment. Compared with those of R-R-F, the average grain yield of early rice in R-R-M, R-R-R, and R-R-G increased by 45%, 29%, and 27%, respectively and that of late rice increased by 46%, 28%, and 26%, respectively. Over the years, grain yield increased in all treatments except R-R-F. Green manure also improved the soil chemical properties (SOM and total and available N and P), except soil pH, compared to those of the control treatment. During the 1983–1990 cultivation period, the soil pH of the R-R-M treatment was lower than that of the R-R-F treatment. The addition of green manure did not mitigate the soil acidification caused by the use of inorganic fertilizers. The soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents and stocks of C, N and P increased over the years. Furthermore, GM significantly increased phosphatase and urease activities and decreased the apparent N and P balances compared with those in the winter fallow treatment. Variance partitioning analysis revealed that soil properties, cropping systems, and climatic factors significantly influenced annual grain yield. Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis quantified the relative influences of the different soil properties on annual grain yield and showed that the relative influences of TN content, SOM, pH, and TP content on annual crop yield were 27.8%, 25.7%, 22.9%, and 20.7%, respectively. In conclusion, GM rotation is beneficial for sustaining high crop yields by improving soil biochemical properties and reducing N and P balances in acidic soil under double- rice cropping systems.


2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A. Ndakidemi ◽  
Felix D. Dakora

A 2-factorial experiment, involving three levels of phosphorus (0, 40, and 80 kg/ha) and four cropping systems (mono crop, maize–cowpea inter-row, maize–cowpea intra-row, and maize–cowpea intra-hole cropping) was conducted in the field for two consecutive years in 2003 and 2004 at Nietvoorbij (33°54′S, 18°14′E), Stellenbosch, South Africa. Plant density (number of plants per hectare) was 166 666 for sole cowpea, 111 111 for maize–cowpea inter-row, 55 555 for maize–cowpea intra-row and 55 555 for maize–cowpea intra-hole cropping. Applying 40 or 80 kg phosphorus (P)/ha significantly increased cowpea grain yields by 59–65% in 2003 and 44–55% in 2004. With maize, the increases in grain yield were 20–37% in 2003 and 48–55% in 2004 relative to the zero-P control. In both cropping seasons, the number of pod-bearing peduncles per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, and grain yield per cowpea plant were significantly increased with the application of exogenous P. In contrast, the number of pod-bearing peduncles per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, and the grain yield per plant were all significantly depressed by mixed culture relative to mono crop cowpea. There was also a significant interactive effect of P and cropping system on cowpea, such that, all cowpea yield components were generally lower in intercrop relative to mono crop. In all instances, the yield component of mono crop cowpea and, to some extent, inter-row cowpea, were markedly increased by the provision of 40 or 80 kg P/ha relative to the zero-P control. Intercropping maize with cowpea produced higher total yields per unit land area than the mono crop counterpart.


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