Synchronized Nitrogen Release From Polymer Coated Nitrochalk Enhances Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield of Wheat

Abstract

Efficiency of conventionally applied nitrogen (N) fertilizers ranges from 35 to 45%. Poor efficiency due to prompt release of excess nitrogen in the soil also threats environment. The nitrogen fertilizers performance can be enhanced by controlling the release of nitrogen through encapsulation with polymer and synchronizing the nitrogen release with plant up-take pattern. To test this hypothesis series of experiments were conducted. Nitro-chalk (calcium ammonium nitrate) as test N fertilizer was used for polymer coating. Laboratory and pot experiments were conducted to determine the effective polymer thickness coated on nitro-chalk, and results revealed that two layers of polymer performed the best as consistent release of N significantly increased growth and yield attributes of wheat. Similarly, coated nitro-chalk also corresponded well to the nitrogen requirements of wheat plants in field. Consequently, polymer coated treatments significantly improved wheat grain yield by 10 to 17% compared with uncoated fertilizer at the same nitrogen application rate. Reducing the rate of application of polymer coated nitro-chalk by 25% produced more grain yield as compared with the application of recommended rate of commercial nitro-chalk. Therefore, the results suggested efficient release of nitrogen from coated nitro-chalk increased production and nitrogen use efficiency. Furthermore, a 25% less application of nitrogen as polymer coated nitro-chalk than recommended application rate of nitrogen can be an effective measure to save input cost as well as increase in grain yield.

Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogenous Fertilization on Nitrogen Uptake in Tomato

“…This result was confirmed with Kottegoda et al (2011) revealed that nitrogen at the nano form has slow-release characteristics. This is also in line with Sharaf-Eldin et al (2022) documented that 75% fertigation with 25% foliar application of nano-nitrogen fertilizer enhanced the absorption of nitrogen, nitrogen use efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency in lettuce.…”

Effects of Aerated Drip Irrigation on the Soil Nitrogen Distribution, Crop Growth, and Yield of Chili Peppers

“…Compared with the conventional SDI treatment, the ADI treatment increased N utilization efficiency. But the soil N content of aerated and conventional drip irrigation treatments under normal N conditions was higher, which could lead to ineffective nutrient losses [ 41 ]. Therefore, although ADI can improve the nutrient uptake and utilization of chili peppers, the irrational fertilizer application (210 kg hm −2 ) led to excessive soil N content, resulting in a large N leakage to the bottom of the root zone of crops with water infiltration.…”