Improvement of Maize Productivity and N Use Efficiency in a No-Tillage Irrigated Farming System: Effect of Cropping Sequence and Fertilization Management

Abstract

The sequence of the preceding crops in a no-tillage farming system, could interact with the integrated use of mineral and organic nitrogen (N) sources in a way that improves the growth and productivity of the terminal maize crop, meanwhile, enhancing its N use efficiency (NUE). In the current study, six legume-cereal crop sequences, including faba bean, soybean, Egyptian clover, wheat, and maize were evaluated along two experimental rotations that ended up by planting the terminal maize crop. In addition, the effects of applying variable mineral nitrogen (MN) rates with and without the incorporation of farmyard manure (FYM) on the productive performance of maize and its NUE were tested. The field experiments were conducted in a no-tillage irrigated farming system in Northern Egypt, a location that is characterized by its arid, Mediterranean climate. Results revealed that increasing the legume component in the evaluated crop sequences, up to 75%, resulted in improved maize ear leaf area, 1000-grain weight, and harvest index, thus, a higher final grain yield, with the inclusion of Egyptian clover was slightly better than faba bean. Comparing the crop sequences with 50% legume contribution uncovered the positive effects of soybean preceding crop on the terminal maize crop. Substituting 25% of the applied MN with FYM resulted in similar maize yields to the application of the equivalent 100% MN rates. The fertilizer treatments significantly interacted with the crop sequences in determining the maize grain yield, where the highest legume crop contribution in the crop sequence (75%) equalized the effects of the different fertilizer treatments on maize grain yield. The integrated use of FYM with MN in maize fertilization improved the NUE compared to the application of MN alone. Comparing fertilization treatments with similar MN content, with and without FYM, revealed that the difference in NUE was attributed to the additional amount of FYM. In similar conditions to the current study, it is recommended to grow faba bean two years before maize, while Egyptian clover could be grown directly preceding maize growth, with frequent inclusion of soybean in the sequence, this could be combined with the application of an average of 200 kg MN ha−1 in addition to FYM.

Intercropping Pattern and N Fertilizer Schedule Affect the Performance of Additively Intercropped Maize and Forage Cowpea in the Mediterranean Region

“…In the cropping systems in Northern Egypt, maize (Zea mays L.) is a principal summer cereal crop, widely grown for grain production [14]. With a considerable area annually devoted to maize production, it is recognized for its significant contribution to enhancing rural livelihood and economy [15].…”

The Role of Sorghum Legume Intercroping System in Improving Soil Productivity on Small Holder Farmers in Western Kenya

“…This could partly explain the high yields obtained from the material amended plots in this study. Low soil nitrogen and phosphorus on the other hand are among the major factors limiting production and productivity of legume crops (Salama, 2021). Legume plants that depend on biological N2 fixation for their N supply like soybean and others in this study require more P than plants receiving fertilizer N since the reduction of atmospheric N by the nitrogenous system is a very energy-consuming process (Stagnari, 2017).…”

Influence of tillage methods on food security and its agrophysical and water-physical properties

“…Water level variations commonly affect food availability since they induce changes in fish-eating patterns and predator-prey interactions, generally by boosting piscivory during drawdowns. Drawdowns may push tiny or immature fish to leave the nearshore zone, subjecting them to pelagic predation, much as they do for invertebrates (Salama et al, 2021). Variations in food webs can result from changes in the availability of food and trophic interactions.…”