Effect of in-season application methods of fertilizer nitrogen on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in maize

Abstract

of in-season application methods of fertilizer nitrogen on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in maize. Can J. Soil Sci. 84: 169-176. Little information is available comparing agronomic performance and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for N application methods such as foliar spray, soil application, and ear injection in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various N application methods on total stover dry matter, grain yield, and NUE of maize hybrids using a 15 N-labeling approach. A field experiment was conducted on a Dalhousie clay loam in Ottawa and a Guelph loam in Guelph for 2 yr (1999 and 2000). Three N application methods were tested on two maize hybrids, Pioneer 3893 and Pioneer 38P06 Bt. At planting, 60 kg N ha -1 as ammonium nitrate was applied to all treatments. In addition, 6.5 kg N ha -1 and 13.5 kg N ha -1 as 15 N-labeled urea were applied to either foliage (Treatment I) or soil (Treatment II) at V6 and V12 stages, respectively. In Treatment III, 20 kg N ha -1 as 15 N-labeled urea was injected into space between ear and husks at silking. The results showed that compared with soil N application neither foliar spray nor injection through ear affected grain yield or stover dry matter. The NUE values ranged from 12 to 76% for N fertilizer applied at V6 and V12 stages, or at silking for all treatments. There was no interaction of hybrid × N application methods on any variables measured with the only exception that for soil N application, grain NUE in Pioneer 38P06 Bt was significant higher than in Pioneer 3893. The difference in total N and NUE of grain and stover between soil N application and foliar N spray was inconsistent. However, NUE was substantially higher for N injection through the ear than for foliar or soil application without differential responses between the two hybrids. Nitrogen injection through the ear at silking might have altered N redistribution within the plant and improved NUE. Hence, it can potentially enhance grain protein content. Foliar N spray is not advocated for maize production in Ontario. Néanmoins, l'injection d'engrais dans l'épi aboutit à un degré d'assimilation du N sensiblement plus élevé que les applications foliaires ou l'épandage au sol, sans que la réaction des deux hybrides varie. Il se pourrait que l'injection d'azote dans l'épi à la floraison modifie la redistribution du N dans la plante et améliore l'assimilation. Par conséquent, cette méthode pourrait accroître la teneur du grain en protéines. On ne préconise pas les applications foliaires de N pour la culture du maïs en Ontario.

Nitrogen‐15 evaluation of fertilizer placement at planting for corn production

“…Comparison of Tables 8 and 9 shows that F 15 NUE was generally lower in 2021 than in 2017, which reflects greater rainfall (Table 3) that would have promoted mineralization, the result being an increase in dilution of fertilizer N by soil‐derived N. The same effect explains why F 15 NUE was lower with a higher level of organic C at Sites 1, 3, and 5 than for Sites 2 and 4. Both findings are consistent with what has been reported in previous 15 N field studies involving contrasting sites and/or weather conditions (e.g., Chalk & Keeney, 1975; Griesheim et al., 2019; Ma et al., 2004; Meisinger et al., 1985; Schindler & Knighton, 1999; Tran et al., 1997).…”

Phenology, Growth, and Grain Yield of Maize as Influenced by Foliar Applied Urea at Different Growth Stages

“…Singh et al (2005) suggested that a supplemental dose of 7 kg N ha −1 as urea spray significantly increased maize grain yield. However, Ma et al (2004) found that foliar N spray had no significant effects on grain yield of maize as compared to soil application of N. The highest level of urea (8%) spray caused severe leaf burn (plasmolysis) that adversely affected normal physiological processes, reduced leaf area, yield, and yield components of maize.…”

“…The highest stover yield was obtained when foliar urea was applied at the rate of 6% for the same reason that it increased yield above. Ma et al (2004) reported that foliar N spray had no significant effects on the stover yield of maize.…”

“…A supplemental dose of 7 kg N ha −1 as urea spray significantly increased maize grain yield (Singh et al, 2005). Compared with soil N application neither foliar spray nor injection through the ear affected grain yield or stover dry matter of maize (Ma et al, 2004). Grain and stover yields were unaffected by the spray treatment apparently because plants were unable to utilize the urea N applied to the vegetation (primarily leaves) after anthesis to enhance or extend the accumulation of dry matter by either eared or earless plants (Below et al, 1985).…”

On-farm irrigated maize production in the Somali Gu season

“…As such, there were two objectives of the 2014 Gu season research trial: to compare a maize production system incorporating SATG BMPs to the traditional production system currently employed by Lower Shebelle maize farmers; and to examine whether different methods of nitrogen fertilizer application influenced maize yield and growth parameters within the SATG system. An investigation into the most effective method of nitrogen application was necessary because, while the methods of nitrogen application are many and have become increasingly sophisticated in well-developed agricultural contexts (Ma et al, 2004), farmers in developing countries have fewer options for nitrogen delivery and the economic burden of nitrogen fertilizer requires that it be applied judiciously. Gavin et al, 2018).…”