Nitrogen Source and Rate Management Improve Maize Productivity of Smallholders under Semiarid Climates

Abstract

Nitrogen is one of the most important factor affecting maize (Zea mays L.) yield and income of smallholders under semiarid climates. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of different N-fertilizer sources [urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and ammonium sulfate (AS)] and rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) on umber of rows ear−1 (NOR ear−1), number of seeds row−1 (NOS row−1), number of seeds ear−1 (NOS ear−1), number of ears per 100 plants (NOEP 100 plants−1), grain yield plant−1, stover yield (kg ha−1), and shelling percentage (%) of maize genotypes “Local cultivars (Azam and Jalal) vs. hybrid (Pioneer-3025).” The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar during summers of 2008 (year one) and 2010 (year two). The results revealed that the N treated (rest) plots (the average of all the experimental plots treated with N) had produced higher yield and yield components, and shelling percentage over N-control plots (plots where N was not applied). Application of nitrogen at the higher rate increased yield and yield components in maize (200 > 150 > 100 > 50 kg N ha−1). Application of AS and CAN had more beneficial impact on yield and yield components of maize as compared to urea (AS > CAN > urea). Hybrid maize (P-3025) produced significantly higher yield and yield components as well as higher shelling percentage than the two local cultivars (P-3025 > Jalal = Azam). Application of ammonium sulfate at the rate of 200 kg N ha−1 to hybrid maize was found most beneficial in terms of higher productivity and grower's income in the study area. For the two local cultivars, application of 150 kg N ha−1 was found more beneficial over 120 kg N ha−1 (recommended N rate) in terms of greater productivity and growers income.

How exogenous nitric oxide regulates nitrogen assimilation in wheat seedlings under different nitrogen sources and levels

“…uptake efficiency and the utilization efficiency [ 4 – 6 ]. A number of physiological and environmental traits can affect the NUE in plants, including N source [ 7 , 8 ], N concentration and the remobilization of N from senescent tissues [ 2 ].…”

Agronomic and physiological aspects of nitrogen use efficiency in conventional and organic cereal-based production systems

“…Liu et al (2016) wrote a comprehensive review on the sustainable farming practices that could impede climate change through reducing carbon (C) footprints. In a study, direct and indirect N 2 O emission from cereal production was found to be 12 times higher in 2011 compared with 1970, while NUE decreased by approximately 74% in that period in Brazil (Amanullah et al, 2016). The authors attributed these results to increased consumption of N fertilizer and predicted that an increase in NUE by 2.4% from current figure would reduce use of N fertilizer worth US$21 million, resulting in reduced N 2 O emission (Amanullah et al, 2016).…”

“…In a study, direct and indirect N 2 O emission from cereal production was found to be 12 times higher in 2011 compared with 1970, while NUE decreased by approximately 74% in that period in Brazil (Amanullah et al, 2016). The authors attributed these results to increased consumption of N fertilizer and predicted that an increase in NUE by 2.4% from current figure would reduce use of N fertilizer worth US$21 million, resulting in reduced N 2 O emission (Amanullah et al, 2016). A meta-analysis of 19 published studies indicated that N 2 O emission per unit of harvested product, called yield-scaled N 2 O emission, reduced 12.7–7.1 g N 2 O-N kg −1 N uptake with an increase of NUE from 19 to 75% (Sowers et al, 1994).…”

Effect of Crop Sequence, Compost and Plant Residues on Maize Yield Production, Sandy Soil Fertility and Reduce N-Mineral Fertilizer

“…On the other hand, the use of organic fertilizers (e.g., animal manure, crop residues and green manure) as alternative source of chemicals holds promise. Nitrogen is the most yield-limiting nutrient in crop production worldwide and mainly the most important factor needed for improving crop productivity and profitability (Guo et al, 2016 andAmanullah et al, 2016). Rotation is one of the valuable tools for nutrient recycling, which accelerate the microbial activity of the soil, permits better nutrient accessibility and higher crop yield (Pokhrel and Pokhrel 2013).…”