Field-level comparison of nitrogen rates and application methods on maize yield,grain quality and nitrogen use efficiency in a humid environment |
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| Authors: | B L Ma D K Biswas |
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| Institution: | 1. Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canadabaoluoma@canada.ca;3. Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Appropriate nitrogen (N) management practices are of critical importance in improving N use efficiency (NUE), maize (Zea mays) yield and environmental quality. A six-year (2005–2010) on-farm trial was conducted in Ottawa, Canada to assess the effects of N rates and application methods on grain yield and NUE. In four out of the six-year study, grain yield increased by 60–77 kg ha?1 by sidedress, compared to 49–66 kg ha?1 for each kg N ha?1 applied at preplant. Grain yield response to N between the two strategies was similar in the other growing seasons. Sidedress strategy required 15 kg N ha?1 less of the maximum economic rate of N (MERN) than preplant application. Our results indicate that sidedress application of 90–120 kg N ha?1 with a starter of 30 kg N ha?1 resulted in greater yield, grain quality and NUE than preplant N application in this cool, humid and short growing-season region. |
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| Keywords: | Nitrogen plant physiology yield soil fertility nutrient uptake |
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