We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Optimizing Soil Nitrogen Supply in the Root Zone to Improve Maize Management.
- Authors
Chen, X. P.; Cui, Z. L.; Li, F.; Li, J. L.
- Abstract
Developing agronomically sound, environmentally appropriate N management strategies are critical for the sustainability of agricultural production. Our objective was to evaluate agronomic performance and potential environmental impacts of in-season N management (INM) against increased or reduced N fertilization on a calcareous alluvial soil for maize (Zea mays L.) in China. Optimal N rates (ONR) were determined for INM by deducting measured soil NO3-N content in toot layers from the N target value during three maize growth periods: from planting to three-leaf stage, three- to 10-leaf stage, and 10-leaf stage to harvest. Other treatments included a ON control, below ONR (70% ONR, 50% ONR, or ONR - 30kg N ha-1), above ONR (130% ONR, 150% ONR, or ONR + 30kg N ha-1), and farmers' N practice (FNP). Across all 14 sites from 2003 to 2006, when N treatment was less than ONR (average 141 kg N ha-1), grain yield was significantly reduced from 8.5 to 7.7 Mg ha-1 while maintaining similar residual soil NO3-N content and N losses. When extra N fertilizer was applied, no yield gain was achieved, but N losses were significantly increased from 50 to 81kg N ha-1. The FNP treatment had the lowest N recovery (22%) and greatest residual soil NO3-N of 158 kg ha-1 and N loss of 87 kg ha-1. The INM is an extremely practical strategy for effectively utilizing soil N supply, synchronizing N demand and N supply, and addressing site-specific N management needs.
- Subjects
CHINA; NITROGEN in soils; GROWTH of corn roots; NITROGEN fertilizers &; the environment; NITROGEN; AGRICULTURAL productivity; MANAGEMENT
- Publication
Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2010, Vol 74, Issue 4, p1367
- ISSN
0361-5995
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2136/sssaj2009.0227