Long-Term Effects of Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer on Irrigated Maize and Soil Properties
Martinez, E; Maresma, A; Biau, A; Cela, S; Berenguer, P; Santiveri, F; Michelena, A; Lloveras, J
| HERO ID | 4132196 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2017 |
| Title | Long-Term Effects of Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer on Irrigated Maize and Soil Properties |
| Authors | Martinez, E; Maresma, A; Biau, A; Cela, S; Berenguer, P; Santiveri, F; Michelena, A; Lloveras, J |
| Journal | Agronomy Journal |
| Volume | 109 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Page Numbers | 1880-1890 |
| Abstract | Nitrogen is a key determinant of growth and grain yield (GY) in maize (Zea mays L.) and is therefore economically and environmentally important. We investigated the performance of maize crops in a 12-yr experiment (2002-2007, 2010-2015) under sprinkler irrigation in a petrocalcic calcixerept soil in northeastern Spain, with controlled mineral N application rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 400 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)). The application rate affected maize GY, biomass, N uptake, SPAD units, soil N levels, N efficiencies, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Average maximum GY's (similar to 15 Mg ha(-1)) required 203 kg N ha(-1) of available N (defined as initial soil NO3 -plus N fertilizer) in the 0-to 30-cm horizon, confirming the importance of the soil N content. Nitrate levels in the 0-to 30-cm horizon for maximum yields achieved a R2 value in the plateau fitting model similar to the 0-to 60-and 0-to 90-cm horizons. The GY's increased at a rate of 192 kg ha(-1) yr(-1), suggesting a combination of genetic improvement in the hybrids and also an improvement in agronomic management. The 200 kg N ha(-1) fertilizer treatment achieved almost the highest GY's (similar to 14 Mg ha(-1)) with simultaneous high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (0.83 kg kg(-1)). Mineral N fertilization also increased the stock of SOC in the 0-to 30-cm horizon. |
| Doi | 10.2134/agronj2017.01.0020 |
| Wosid | WOS:000412605600009 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |