Influences of split application and nitrification inhibitor on nitrogen losses, grain yield, and net income for summer maize production

Abstract

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer combined with nitrification inhibitor is considered to be one of the effective strategies to improve N efficiency and reduce N loss. While the chemical and physical properties of nitrapyrin (CP) in fertilizers have been evaluated to increase N efficiency, a lack of comprehensive evaluation of the effects of adding CP on summer maize yield, environmental benefits and economic income under different fertilization methods. In this study, two fertilization methods were used: split-N application and one-time basal N fertilizer before sowing. The comprehensive effects of N fertilizer with CP on N loss (NH3 volatilization, NO3– leaching, and N2O emissions), N efficiency, yield and profit under two N application methods were explored. Results showed that under the two N application methods, N fertilizer with CP treatment increased the N efficiency and yield (+3.4%∼+5.7%), significantly reduced the soil NO3–-N content and N2O emissions, while increased NH3 volatilization. Especially, the increase amplitude of NH3 was much less than the decrease amplitude of N2O induced by adding CP. Although split-N application could achieve higher yield and N efficiency, N2O emissions and NH3 volatilization also increased. However, the T1 + N (one-time basal N fertilizer before sowing mixed with CP) achieved the same yield level as T2 treatment (split-N application). Taking agronomic, economic and environmental benefits into consideration, one-time basal N fertilizer before sowing mixed with CP could ensure the target yield, increase economic benefits, maintain soil N content, and reduce N losses. Therefore, optimizing N management is essential to the sustainable development of agriculture.

Research Hotspots and Trends of Nitrification Inhibitors: A Bibliometric Review from 2004–2023

“…This compound can be dissolved in various organic solvents. Due to its insolubility in water, Nitrapyrin must be dry mixed with fertilizer or used in emulsion form [85]. To prevent volatilization losses, Nitrapyrin should be applied at a depth of at least 5-10 cm in the soil, as it has a high vapor pressure [86].…”

“…The active ingredient in Nitrapyrin is 2-Chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine, a white crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 230.9 and a melting point of 62-63 • C. This compound can be dissolved in various organic solvents. Due to its insolubility in water, Nitrapyrin must be dry mixed with fertilizer or used in emulsion form [85]. To prevent volatilization losses, Nitrapyrin should be applied at a depth of at least 5-10 cm in the soil, as it has a high vapor pressure [86].…”

Influences of tobacco straw return with lime on microbial community structure of tobacco-planting soil and tobacco leaf quality

“…Their community structure and richness are important indicators for evaluating soil quality, and also play an important role in crop yield (Li et al, 2019;Tong et al, 2021). Due to the vital role of soil microorganisms in driving the organic matter cycle, improving soil quality, improving crop yield and sustainable agricultural development, it has received much attention in soil ecological studies (Tong et al, 2021;Ren et al, 2022). Soil microorganisms serve as the primary regulators of the material cycle within the soil ecosystem, constituting the largest resource pool.…”

Effect of Nitrification Inhibitors on Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism in ‘Sweet Sapphire’ (V. vinifera L.) Grape Seedlings

“…Nitrogen is important for photosynthesis and, therefore, it plays a significant role in crop or fruit yield [2,3]. In order to achieve higher economic returns, farmers often apply larger amounts of nitrogen fertilizer [4,5]. Urea is a widely used nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural production.…”