Estimation of Nitrogen Supply for Summer Maize Production through a Long-Term Field Trial in China

Abstract

Supplying adequate nitrogen (N) to meet crop demand is critical for enhancing agricultural sustainability. Not only fertilizer N, but also N from other available sources should be considered in N supply capacity. We conducted a 10-year farming experiment using a split-plot design with two different main fertilizer management approaches and three N application strategies as add-on sub-treatments. Based on the experiment, we estimated the total N supply (TNsupply) for the summer maize cropping system, through considering environmental, soil, crop residue, and fertilizer N sources. An appropriate TNsupply was established by correlating TNsupply with the relative yield (RY), N input and output, and N use efficiency (NUE). The results revealed a wide variation in TNsupply (from 88 to 755 kg ha−1). The RY, N input, and N output fitted well to TNsupply using linear-plateau, linear, and linear-plateau models, respectively. The lower limits of TNsupply for achieving the maximum RY and N output were 361 and 358 kg ha−1, respectively. The relationship between N input and N output was described as linear-plateau. We determined the slope of the linear curve (55.4%) as the lower limit of NUE, beyond which the upper limit of TNsupply was determined to be less than 497 kg ha−1. Thus, appropriate TNsupply values ranged from 325 to 497 kg ha−1 for summer maize production, which could ensure enough N supply for higher yields and avoid excessive N input for higher NUE and lower environmental N loss. Our findings highlight that TNsupply can be an alternative indicator for evaluating N management.

Band Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilization as Drivers of Efficient Management of Nitrogen of Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…The advantage of PFP over others results from its sensitivity both to the course of weather and experimental factors. As the literature shows, the PFP values in maize cultivation for grain stay within the range of 6.1 and 114.9 kg kg −1 [14,44,[59][60][61]. Thus, the PFP are within the above-mentioned range, yet they remain quite high.…”

“…The trend was particularly transparent for N1 and then for N2. Typical AE levels of N for maize range from 1.9 to 29.0 kg grain kg −1 N [6,44,59,61,63]. Unlike this index, IE differentiated substantially between N and P(S) treatments.…”

“…Regardless of the fertilization level, N exhibited a positive impact of NPS on the PNB values. With regard to RE, the index values for maize are, on average, 24.3-58.2% N [6,45,61]. Dhakal et al [44] reported that the mean RE was 70% at the lowest N rate (60 kg ha −1 of N) compared to 50% at the highest N rate (240 kg ha −1 of N).…”

Optimizing plant density and balancing NPK inputs in combination with innovative fertilizer product for sustainable maize production in North China Plain

“…The acidity and low SOC in studied soil are mainly caused by high N inputs (over 300 kg ha −1 ) and unsustainable soil management (i.e., intensive tillage, low inputs of organic fertilizer) which are mostly found in the North China Plain 32 , 33 . Additionally, the texture class of the present maize soil is sandy loam which tends to result in a low buffering capacity and a high rate of water percolation and infiltration thereby high risks of N leaching (Table 2 ).…”

Optimizing plant density and balancing NPK inputs in combination with innovative fertilizer product for sustainable maize production in North China Plain.

“…The acidity and low SOC on studied soil are mainly caused by high N inputs (over 300 kg ha −1 ) and unsustainable soil management (i.e, intensive tillage, low inputs of organic fertilizer) which are mostly found in the North China Plain (Zhao et al, 2006;Huang et al, 2021). Additionally, the texture class of the present maize soil is sandy loam which tends to result in a low buffering capacity and a high rate of water percolation and in ltration thereby high risks of N leaching (Table . 2).…”