The study investigates the effects of combining slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with urea on maize yield, nitrogen uptake, and water use efficiency under two different tillage methods. Researchers conducted extensive field trials at the Dongyang Experimental Base of Shanxi Agricultural University over two growing seasons, focusing on how these fertilizer strategies affect crop growth, particularly when incorporated with distinct tillage practices.
Maize is one of the world’s most significant food crops, and optimizing its yield is of utmost importance. The increasing use of chemical fertilizers has raised concerns over declining nitrogen use efficiency and environmental degradation. This study aims to address these issues by examining the combined application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea, balancing cost-effectiveness with productivity.
The research utilized randomized block designs across various fertilization treatments, including combinations of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea. Results indicated significant advancements under the combined strategy, particularly when maintaining the optimal ratio of 70% slow-release to 30% urea (denoted as UNS2). This formulation was highlighted for enhancing water use efficiency, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake, and overall maize yield.
Throughout the testing phase, treatment groups were established to measure various parameters including the water consumption of the crops, their growth stages, and the dry weight of the plants at maturity. The formulations with combined fertilizers consistently exhibited superior performance compared to traditional application of solely urea or slow-release fertilizers alone. For example, under the rotary tillage method, UNS2 demonstrated yield improvements exceeding 56% compared to untreated controls.
Findings suggest the combination method not only ensures adequate nutrient supply throughout the maize growth period but also helps mitigate losses typically associated with conventional fertilization methods. Specifically, the combined application promotes efficient nutrient absorption and utilization, demonstrating the need for optimized fertilization strategies as agricultural practices evolve.
Subsoiling, used synergistically with rotary tillage, also contributed positively to soil conditioning, potentially solving issues related to soil compaction and root growth inhibition noted with traditional rotary methods. The study posits the benefits of these combined approaches merit broader adoption within agricultural communities, particularly through continued research efforts demonstrating their efficacy.
Overall, the research clearly outlines the potential for combining slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with urea to meet the dual challenge of enhancing crop yields and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Moving forward, the authors advocate for larger-scale demonstrations of the UNS2 strategy to substantiate its effectiveness across varied ecological frameworks.