Evaluation of In-Season Nitrogen Management for Summer Maize in North Central China. (6th December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao Zhao, S.-C. S.-C.; He He, P. P.; Sha Sha, Z.-M. Z.-M.; Xing Xing, S.-L. S.-L.; Li Li, K.-J. K.-J.
• Other Names: Casaretto Casaretto J. A. J. A. Academic Editor.; Hatfield Hatfield J. J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN agronomy. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2011-12-06
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; Agronomy; Agricultural Technology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 630
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/294514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-7656

Abstract

Abstract : We conducted field experiments in which nitrogen (N) was applied to summer maize at different rates and different basal/topdressing ratios. The experiments were carried out in 2009 in Hengshui and Xinji, Hebei province, China. The results showed that basal application of N was necessary for maize growth in early summer and for high grain yields. For the Hengshui and Xinji sites, 30 and 57 kg N ha −1, respectively, would meet the N demands of maize before 7-leaf stage. The total rates of 120 and 180 kg N ha −1, respectively, would maximize grain yields, and in-season N management based on crop N demands and soil N supply could reduce N inputs by more than 50% in Hengshui and 25% in Xinji, respectively, in one maize growth season, compared with farmers' practice, but the sustainability of the optimum N rates for maximum grain yield of next seasons crop needs to be further studied. Optimum N management should take into account the existing nutrient conditions at each site, soil fertility and texture, and crop demands.