Split application of liquid urea as a tool to nitrogen loss minimization and NUE improvement of corn - A review

Abstract

Nitrogen loss minimization is the main challenge to sustainable crop production and reducing environmental and economic losses. There is a new approach to urea application in liquid form (LU) so that the NH4 + can be evenly distributed throughout the soil profile, soil particles adsorb it and reduce the local substrate concentration inhibiting further transformation. Liquid urea has been hydrolyzed even prior to soil application, whereas the urea in granulated urea (GU) must be hydrolyzed after application before it can be transformed to NH4 + . Increased urea application frequency with lower doses can lower the NH4 + concentration in soil compared to a single application. These mechanisms reduce the N loss potential and increase the N crop uptake potential of applied N by conforming to the proper synchronization between N availability and crop N demand as well as reduce N loss potential as NH3 volatilization, NO3leaching and N2O emission. The inconsistent results and clarifications from various studies highlight the importance and benefits of relating the effect of LU application on N loss minimization, N availability and corn (Zea mays L.) yield. This review summarizes the potential ways of N losses and their management and provides the scientific reference to achieve sustainable corn yield and reduce N losses.