Site-specific nitrogen management using Leaf Color Chart improves maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency. Researchers from the Division of Agronomy at SKUAST-Kashmir have demonstrated the potential of using the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) for optimizing nitrogen applications to increase yields and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in hybrid maize varieties. The study, conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the Agronomical Farm of SKUAST-Kashmir, reveals significant findings supporting LCC as a practical and cost-effective tool for nitrogen management.
Maize is one of the most important crops globally, cultivated over 197 million hectares with significant yield potential. Despite its importance, inefficient nitrogen management practices have often led to decreased yields and sustainability challenges. Through their experiments, the researchers sought to address these challenges faced by farmers, particularly in the temperate ecology of Jammu and Kashmir, where maize yield gaps are prevalent.
The study employed a Split Plot Design to effectively compare the performance of three maize varieties—Shalimar Maize Hybrid-2 (SMH-2), Kanchan-517, and Vivek-45—under various nitrogen management strategies utilizing the LCC method. The researchers highlighted the uniqueness of LCC as it estimates the indirect nitrogen needs of the crop based on leaf color observations, offering timely and site-specific nitrogen application recommendations.
Results from the pooled data indicated outstanding growth parameters for SMH-2, achieving maximum grain and straw yields of 6.1 t ha–1 and 10.6 t ha–1 respectively. The study established the LCC value of @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 as statistically significant for enhancing yields and nitrogen recovery rates, indicating the effectiveness of this approach compared to traditional methods. Notably, LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 demonstrated the highest apparent nitrogen recovery (REN), reflecting the optimized utilization of applied nitrogen.
Economic analysis of the treatments highlighted the cost-effectiveness of LCC-based nitrogen management, leading to higher benefit-cost ratios. The maximum B: C ratio was observed for the combination of SMH-2 and the high LCC usage, underscoring its economic viability. The authors noted, "the leaf color chart came to light as being... for efficient management of Nitrogen in maize under the temperate ecology of Kashmir."
The findings of this research contribute significantly to the field of precision agriculture, where the integration of visual tools like LCC can lead to more sustainable farming practices. By synchronizing nitrogen application with the actual crop demands, farmers can minimize unnecessary fertilizer use, thereby reducing costs and mitigating environmental impacts.
Concluding the study, the authors advocate for the broader application of LCC-based nitrogen management strategies in various agro-ecosystems to maximize yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The study’s findings not only pave the path for practical improvements in maize farming but also open avenues for future research on integrating advanced technologies to support precision agriculture.