Occasional soil tillage, liming, and nitrogen fertilization on long-term no-tillage system

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the residual effects of occasional soil tillage in a 17-year-old, no-tillage system, associated with liming and nitrogen fertilization, on the crop yields and chemical properties of a very clayey Oxisol in the South of Brazil. A randomized complete block design in split-split plots was used, with two soil managements (with or without plowing), two liming treatments (with or without the required dose to raise base saturation to 70%), five N doses applied on side-dress (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 times the recommended amounts), and four replicates. A rotation system was used with corn and soybean in the summer, and with wheat and black oats in the winter. The residual effects of occasional soil tillage in a consolidated no-tillage system do not supplant those of liming applied on soil surface, in periods of water deficit, which subsidizes the recommendation to maintain the system consolidated. Excess N fertilization in no-tillage, with liming applied only on soil surface, may harm wheat yield, acidifying the topsoil and leaching Mg2+ to the subsurface soil layers. Without liming, soil acidification is more intense with N fertilization, which, however, favors the accumulation of organic matter on soil surface in a consolidated no-tillage system.

Short-Term Effects of Tillage Systems, Fertilization, and Cropping Patterns on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Yields in a Loamy Sand Soil in Southern Mozambique

“…Accordingly, CA in combination with fertilization (fertilized = 5.92 and unfertilized = 5.95) increased pH levels compared to CT in combination with fertilization (fertilized = 5.46 and unfertilized = 5.44). These findings agree with other studies [29], namely a significant influence by the tillage system in combination with N fertilization on pH, where higher values were recorded under CA than CT.…”

“…The findings corroborate with those of other investigators [31,32], who reported a significant influence on OC by the interaction of the tillage system and N fertilization. A decrease in organic matter under CT and N fertilization interaction was also reported [29].…”

Assessing Grain Yield and Achieving Enhanced Quality in Maize by Next Generation Fertilizer: A Review

“…The improved nutrient use efficiency of nextgeneration fertilizers has been linked to several mechanisms that can enhance crop yield and quality. For example, a controlled release of nutrients can provide plants with a consistent supply of essential elements, resulting in better photosynthesis, stress tolerance, and overall growth [13,14]. This consistent supply can also reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies or toxicities that could limit crop development and yield potential.…”

“…For instance, an adequate supply of nitrogen (N) from controlledrelease or stabilized fertilizers can improve protein synthesis and grain protein content, leading to higher nutritional quality [6]. Additionally, a more efficient uptake of nutrients can also promote the accumulation of desirable compounds, such as antioxidants and vitamins, further enhancing the quality of maize grains [14].…”

“…These fertilizers can be broadly classified into two categories: (1) controlled-release fertilizers, which encapsulate nutrients in polymer coatings or matrix materials to regulate their release over time [11]; and (2) stabilized fertilizers, which incorporate chemical or biological agents that reduce nutrient loss through volatilization, leaching, or other processes [12]. The use of next-generation fertilizers has been demonstrated to increase crop yield and quality by providing plants with a more consistent supply of nutrients, which can enhance photosynthesis, stress tolerance, and other physiological processes [13,14]. Moreover, these fertilizers can help mitigate environmental problems associated with conventional fertilizers by reducing nutrient losses and promoting more efficient nutrient utilization [15,16].…”