Nitrogen uptake and utilization of two maize hybrids with contrasting nitrogen use efficiencies depending on fertilization amount. Issue 11 (19th September 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shao, Guodong; Cheng, Hao; Dai, Hongcui; Zhang, Hui; Ai, Juanjuan; Liu, Kaichang; Li, Zongxin; Zamanian, Kazem; Qian, Xin
• Is Part Of: Archives of agronomy and soil science. Volume 69:Issue 11(2023)
• Page Start: 2202
• Page End: 2217
• Publication Date: 2023-09-19
• Subjects: Grain yield -- nitrogen fate -- topdressing -- 15N recovery -- nitrogen metabolism; Horticulture -- Periodicals; Soils -- Periodicals; 630.5
• DOI: 10.1080/03650340.2022.2142573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0365-0340

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Splitting nitrogen (N) application is beneficial for achieving higher grain yields and N use efficiency (NUE), but the responses of N utilization efficiency of different maize cultivars to top-dressing N fertilizer rates are still unclear. This study investigated the effects of fertilization managements on N uptake and utilization derived from topdressing fertilizers of maize hybrids (Ludan981 and Denghai605) with contrasting NUEs. The N fate derived from topdressing fertilizer was determined using the 15 N tracing method. Grain yields, dry matter and N accumulation of both maize hybrids were significantly increased under low N levels but decreased under high N levels. Under N-deficient and excess conditions, Denghai605 had higher NUE than Ludan981. The N rates of topdressing significantly affected N uptake and utilization, but no difference was detected between two maize hybrids, and excessive N use led to higher rates of N loss and residual in soil. The N metabolism enzyme activities did not differ between the two maize hybrids. Our findings suggest optimized N management strategies by adjusting topdressing N application rate and timing are necessary to increase NUE and to minimize environmental costs in maize cropping system.