Optimizing N Fertilization for Increasing Yield and Profits of Rainfed Maize Grown under Sandy Loam Soil

Abstract

The optimum dose of fertilizers for crops varies with soil, agro-ecology, and crop management practices. Optimizing application dose is critical to reduce nutrient loss to the environment and increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), crop yields, and economic return to farmers. An experiment was conducted to determine the optimum N dose for increasing maize (Zea mays L. cv, Manakamana-3) yield, NUE, and farm profits under rainfed conditions. Five levels of N (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha−1), and a non-fertilized treatment were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Effects of each treatment on yield and yield attributing traits, plant lodging and Sterility (plants with no cob or grain formation), NUE, and stay green trait of maize were recorded. Application of N above 120 kg ha−1 (N120) did not have any significant effects on yield and yield components. Nitrogen, at N120 and above, produced highly fertile plants (though sterility slightly increased at N180 and N240), higher N uptake, and lower dead leaf area (18–27%). N120 produced the highest agronomic; yield increase per unit of N application (AEN—26.89 kg grain kg−1 N) and physiological efficiency of N (PEN—42.67 kg grain kg−1 N uptake), and net benefit (USD 500.43). Considering agronomic, economic, and NUE factors, an N dose of 120 kg ha−1 was found optimum for the cultivation of rainfed maize (Manakamana-3) under sandy loam soil.

Band Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilization as Drivers of Efficient Management of Nitrogen of Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…The advantage of PFP over others results from its sensitivity both to the course of weather and experimental factors. As the literature shows, the PFP values in maize cultivation for grain stay within the range of 6.1 and 114.9 kg kg −1 [14,44,[59][60][61]. Thus, the PFP are within the above-mentioned range, yet they remain quite high.…”

“…The trend was particularly transparent for N1 and then for N2. Typical AE levels of N for maize range from 1.9 to 29.0 kg grain kg −1 N [6,44,59,61,63]. Unlike this index, IE differentiated substantially between N and P(S) treatments.…”

“…The most important ones include: soil type, the course of weather, water availability, N min content in soil, as well as the time and method of nitrogen application [12,39,40]. According to the literature, N fertilization greatly increases GY, most often within the rate range of up to 120-220 kg ha −1 N [41][42][43][44]. Research carried out in northern China showed that the economically optimal N rate may be considerably higher and depend on the soil type [45].…”

“…With regard to RE, the index values for maize are, on average, 24.3-58.2% N [6,45,61]. Dhakal et al [44] reported that the mean RE was 70% at the lowest N rate (60 kg ha −1 of N) compared to 50% at the highest N rate (240 kg ha −1 of N). The index is often used, as it measures the accumulation of the component in soil and/or the potential N losses to the environment [7].…”

Effect of Varying Levels of Fertilizers and Date of Sowing on Production and Economic Profitability of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…This portrays that there is a need to increase the productivity of maize in India and this can be achieved by various means. Judicious nutrient management can play major role here as maize, being a nutrient exhaustive crop, urges for heavy feeding of nutrients specially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium [3].…”