Research

17 pages, 3025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Maize Yield and Resource Efficiency through Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilization on the Semiarid Loess Plateau

by Jianjun Zhang, Gang Zhao, Yi Dang, Tinglu Fan, Lei Wang, Shangzhong Li, Gang Zhou, Setor Kwami Fudjoe, Linlin Wang and Jairo A. Palta

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092320 - 04 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 842

Abstract

Drought stress is one of the premier limitations to global agricultural production. Increasing water and nitrogen (N) use efficiencies in dryland agroecosystems to maintain high agricultural output are key responsibilities to assure food security, especially on the semiarid Loess Plateau region of China, [...] Read more.

Drought stress is one of the premier limitations to global agricultural production. Increasing water and nitrogen (N) use efficiencies in dryland agroecosystems to maintain high agricultural output are key responsibilities to assure food security, especially on the semiarid Loess Plateau region of China, as it is one of the important grain production areas in China. The impact of controlled-release urea (CRU) on the soil water content, soil enzyme activities, soil N content, biomass accumulation, grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and agronomic use efficiency of N fertilizer (AEN) were examined on the maize production of the rainfed Loess Plateau during 2020–2021. Two-growing-season field treatments at the Zhengyuan Agri-ecological Station, Qingyang, Gansu, including six N treatments, were investigated for maize: a control without N fertilization (CK) and five application proportions of CRU (i.e., 0, 30, 50, 70, and 100%CRU) under a N rate of 225 kg ha⁻¹. Results showed that compared with common urea (0%CRU), on average, CRU applications significantly increased soil enzyme activity related to N conversion and improved biomass accumulation by 4–11% at the silking stage and by 2–12% at the maturity stage, respectively. As the proportion of CRU increased, the grain no. per ear, 100-grain weight, and harvest index first increased and then decreased. Grain yield was increased by 5.3, 11.4, 20.1, and 5.7% under 30, 50, 70 and 100%CRU, respectively, compared to common urea. Compared to common urea, 70%CRU combined with 30% common urea achieved the highest yield. These results indicate that optimal controlled-release N fertilization increases the yield and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of maize, and 70%CRU combined with 30% common urea under a single application of nitrogen fertilizer at sowing was the optimal application proportion of controlled-release urea for increasing water and nitrogen use efficiencies in dryland agroecosystems. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the efficient fertilization of maize on the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Balance in Hass Avocado Trees as a Tool to Optimize Crop Fertilization Management

by Alexander Rebolledo-Roa and Ronal Arturo Burbano-Diaz

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13081956 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate fertilization management based on fruit nutrient removal, soil nutrient-supplying capacity and tree nutritional status with standard nutrient values as a reference and the effects on fruit size and yield in Hass avocado trees. The soil chemical characteristics, [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to evaluate fertilization management based on fruit nutrient removal, soil nutrient-supplying capacity and tree nutritional status with standard nutrient values as a reference and the effects on fruit size and yield in Hass avocado trees. The soil chemical characteristics, foliar nutrient content interpreted with the Kenworthy balance index (KBI) method and fruit nutrient removal for a planned yield of 20 ton/ha were used to determine the fertilization management plan for the crop. The experimental area had soils with Andic characteristics and sandy loam texture, low cation exchange capacity and acidic pH. The farmer’s standard fertilization plan was based on excessive fertilizer doses for N, P, K and Ca, and an imbalance of P, Ca and micronutrients was observed with the diagnosis of plant nutrient status. The fertilizer plan based on the KBI method had an effect on yield variables in the second crop year, with an increase in production of 20 kg/tree as well as an increase in the percentage of fruits with a size higher than 22 (165–196 g/fruit) according to the Codex Alimentarius standards. These findings indicate that the reincorporation of minerals extracted by the harvest into the soil and the plant nutrient status are useful tools to guide crop fertilization management when fine-tuned to local soil chemical conditions and crop requirements to minimize nutrient losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Meteorological Factors and Water-Nitrogen Management Techniques on Carbon Dioxide Fluxes in Wheat Fields in a Dry Semi-Humid Area

by Xiangcheng Ma, Mengfan Lv, Tie Cai and Zhikuan Jia

Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071925 - 20 Jul 2023

Viewed by 904

Abstract

Studying carbon dioxide fluxes in wheat fields is becoming increasingly important. The dry semi-humid area in China is an important wheat production area, but the variations in carbon dioxide fluxes in wheat fields and the mechanisms associated with the carbon dioxide flux response [...] Read more.

Studying carbon dioxide fluxes in wheat fields is becoming increasingly important. The dry semi-humid area in China is an important wheat production area, but the variations in carbon dioxide fluxes in wheat fields and the mechanisms associated with the carbon dioxide flux response to meteorological factors and water-nitrogen management have rarely been studied systematically in this area. Thus, we conducted a monitoring experiment in order to clarify the responses of CO₂-C fluxes to meteorological factors and water-nitrogen management in wheat fields in this dry semi-humid area, and modeled the relationships between CO₂-C fluxes and meteorological factors under different water-nitrogen managements. Four water-nitrogen treatments were tested in wheat fields: rain-fed (no water and nitrogen added), irrigation (150 mm water added), rain-fed plus nitrogen application (225 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen added), and irrigation plus nitrogen application (150 mm water and 225 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen added). The CO₂-C fluxes and meteorological indicators were monitored and analyzed, before fitting the relationships between them. The direct and total effects of precipitation, air temperature, and water vapor pressure on CO₂-C fluxes in wheat fields were all positive, and their total effect coefficients were more than 0.7 and significant. Irrigation and nitrogen application increased the CO₂-C fluxes in wheat fields by 6.82–14.52% and 51.59–55.94%, respectively. The fitting results showed that partial least squares regression models of the relationships between meteorological factors and CO₂-C fluxes in wheat fields under different treatments were all effective, with R²Y (cum) and Q² (cum) values around 0.7. Overall, these results suggest that precipitation, air temperature, water vapor pressure, and water and nitrogen addition have positive effects on CO₂-C fluxes from wheat fields in dry semi-humid areas. The partial least squares regression method is also suitable for modeling the relationships between meteorological factors and CO₂-C fluxes. These results may provide a scientific basis for predicting and regulating CO₂-C fluxes in wheat fields in dry semi-humid areas, and provide a methodological reference for ecosystem carbon dioxide flux simulation studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Management on Wheat Yield, Water and Nitrogen Utilization, and Economic Benefits under Ridge-Furrow Cropping System with Supplementary Irrigation

by Yi Yang, Qun Qin, Qi Li, Vinay Nangia, Bing Lan, Fei Mo, Yuncheng Liao and Yang Liu

Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071708 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1576

Abstract

Supplemental irrigation under a ridge-furrow (RF) cropping system is a valuable cropping practice that balances resource efficiency and high crop yield. However, the effects of nitrogen management on crop growth, yield formation, and economic benefits under RF systems have not been clearly investigated. [...] Read more.

Supplemental irrigation under a ridge-furrow (RF) cropping system is a valuable cropping practice that balances resource efficiency and high crop yield. However, the effects of nitrogen management on crop growth, yield formation, and economic benefits under RF systems have not been clearly investigated. In this study, the experiment was designed with three experimental factorials, including three cropping systems (RF, RF cropping with 80 mm irrigation; TF1, traditional flat cropping with 200 mm irrigation; and TF2, traditional flat cropping with 80 mm irrigation), two nitrogen application rates (NL, 180 kg N ha⁻¹; NH, 240 kg N ha⁻¹), and two fertilizer application models (B, all nitrogen fertilizers were applied basally at the pre-sowing stage; BT, nitrogen fertilizer was applied at both the pre-sowing and jointing stages at a ratio of 1:1). A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer management on wheat yield, water and nitrogen utilization, and economic benefits under the RF cropping system. The results showed that the RF system significantly increased the soil moisture content and improved the water productivity (WP) and grain yield of wheat. Nitrogen reduction (NL) under the RF system did not affect the water use of the wheat compared with traditional high nitrogen application (NH) but increased the nitrogen uptake and fertilizer productivity of the wheat. Although NL led to a reduction in aboveground dry matter accumulation, it did not significantly affect the yield of wheat but increased the net income of wheat cultivation. Under NL conditions, the BT nitrogen application model promoted nitrogen uptake in wheat and ameliorated the reduction in grain protein content due to plastic film mulching, and this model is an integrated planting practice that trades off wheat yield and quality. These findings suggest that NLBT is a promising and recommendable cropping practice under RF systems considering resource utilization, high yield and quality, and economic efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Fertilizer Reduction Combined with Biochar Application Ameliorates the Biological Property and Fertilizer Utilization of Pod Pepper

by Meng Zhang, Yanling Liu, Quanquan Wei, Lingling Liu, Xiaofeng Gu, Jiulan Gou and Ming Wang

Agronomy 2023, 13(6), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13061616 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1322

Abstract

Biochar is frequently utilized as a helpful amendment to sustain agricultural productivity. However, it remains uncertain whether biochar can effectively replace chemical fertilizers, especially in karst regions. To investigate the effects of co-applying biochar and chemical fertilizer on the biological characteristics and fertilizer [...] Read more.

Biochar is frequently utilized as a helpful amendment to sustain agricultural productivity. However, it remains uncertain whether biochar can effectively replace chemical fertilizers, especially in karst regions. To investigate the effects of co-applying biochar and chemical fertilizer on the biological characteristics and fertilizer uptake of pod peppers, as well as to determine the optimal ratio of biochar to chemical fertilizers, a two-year field experiment was conducted in southwest China. The results showed that, compared to the locally typical chemical fertilizer treatment (CF), the combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer significantly increased the yield of both fresh and dry pod pepper. Chemical fertilizer reduction and biochar application also ameliorated fruit quality, increased nutrient accumulation, and improved fertilizer utilization efficiency. What is more, although the employment of biochar made production costs higher, the reduction in chemical fertilizers and the increase in yield improved economic efficiency, especially in the CF₇₀B treatment (70%CF + biochar). In conclusion, moderate amounts of biochar instead of chemical fertilizers may be a valid nutrient management strategy for pod pepper in the karst mountain areas, which is beneficial for maintaining yield stability, improving quality, and increasing net income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Winter Survival, Yield and Yield Components of Alfalfa as Affected by Phosphorus Supply in Two Alkaline Soils

by Yuntao Wang, Zhen Sun, Qiqi Wang, Jihong Xie and Linqing Yu

Agronomy 2023, 13(6), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13061565 - 08 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1129

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage for the development of herbivorous animal husbandry, which is widely planted in the cold climate areas of northern China, where there is low overwintering and forage yield in production, and fertilization is a vital [...] Read more.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage for the development of herbivorous animal husbandry, which is widely planted in the cold climate areas of northern China, where there is low overwintering and forage yield in production, and fertilization is a vital production strategy. A field study was conducted to determine the response of alfalfa’s winter survival rate, yield, and yield components to different gradients of phosphate (P) fertilizer (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) in two types of low-phosphorus alkaline soils. The results show that the winter survival rates and forage yield increased at first and then decreased with the increase of P application; the greater winter survival rates were achieved at 45~90 kg ha⁻¹ of P fertilizer applied, while the greater forage yield were achieved at 90 kg ha⁻¹ in the two sites, and the suitable P fertilizer application rates for greater winter survival were less than those for greater forage yield; plant height and shoot mass made a greater contribution to forage yield than other yield components. To pursue greater forage yield, the suitable P fertilization rates for aeolian sandy soil and silt loam soil are 108.1 and 78.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, based on the regression equations. Therefore, in cold winter and soil P deficiency areas, applying P fertilizer can be used as an effective strategy to improve alfalfa’s forage yield and persistence, and the most appropriate amount of fertilizer should be determined according to climate and soil conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autumn Film Mulched Ridge Microfurrow Planting Improves Yield and Nutrient-Use Efficiency of Potatoes in Dryland Farming

by Fengke Yang, Baolin He, Bo Dong and Guoping Zhang

Agronomy 2023, 13(6), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13061563 - 07 Jun 2023

Viewed by 997

Abstract

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are the most important noncereal crop in the world. Increasing potato production is critical for future global food security. China is the world’s largest potato producer, and potato productivity is constrained by water scarcity and poor fertilizer use [...] Read more.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are the most important noncereal crop in the world. Increasing potato production is critical for future global food security. China is the world’s largest potato producer, and potato productivity is constrained by water scarcity and poor fertilizer use efficiency (NUE_F). Recently, autumn film mulched ridge microfurrow rainwater harvesting (ARF) tillage has been successfully applied in potato production in dryland farming in Northwest China. However, the effects of ARF on the use efficiency (NUE_F) of applied nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrients in potatoes have not been systematically studied. A 3-year, consecutive field trial with four treatments, including moldboard planting without fertilizer application (control, CK), spring and autumn film mulched ridge microfurrow rainwater harvesting planting (SRF and ARF), and standard film mulched ridge-furrow planting (FRF), was conducted during 2018–2020. ARF greatly increased the water levels in the 0–200 cm soil profile at potato harvest compared to SRF, FRF, and CK. ARF and SRF significantly increased the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), total and available NPK (TN, TP, TK and AN, AP, AK) compared to FRF and CK, with ARF being the most efficient at increasing the levels of the AN, AP, and AK. ARF significantly improved the soil water and nutrient activity and contributed the most to potato tuber and biomass yield and hence the NUE_F. Under ARF, significant and positive associations were observed between the soil fertility traits, soil water storage (SWS), potato tuber yield, biomass yield, and NUE_F. Soil fertility traits and the SWS were positively correlated with potato tuber and biomass yield. The SWS, potato tuber, and biomass yield positively correlated with the partial factor productivity (PFP) and the recovery efficiency (RE) of the applied NPK nutrients. Increased nutrient levels and their combination increased the NUEF and NUEF’s components. The TN and AN contributed more significantly to the PEP and agronomic efficiency (AE) of the applied NPK nutrients; the TP was significantly positively correlated with the AE (AE_N, AE_P, and AE_K), while the AP was correlated with PEP (PFP_N, PFP_P, and PFP_K) and RE (RE_N, RE_P, and RE_K); the TK was significantly positively correlated with the PFP and RE of the applied PK nutrients, while the AK was significantly positively correlated with the PE_P, AE, and RE of the applied K nutrients. Therefore, ARF results in a synchronous increase in yield and NUE_F and is the most efficient planting system for potato production in dryland farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Aggregates and Aggregate-Associated Carbon and Nitrogen in Farmland in Relation to Long-Term Fertilization on the Loess Plateau, China

by Jinjin Wang, Xu Sun, Yuqing Zhang, Yujing Fang, Yizhe Zhan, Ru Guo, Rui Qian, Tie Cai, Tiening Liu, Zhikuan Jia, Xiaoli Chen and Xiaolong Ren

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051312 - 06 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

Soil aggregation plays a critical role in the maintenance of soil structure and crop productivity. Fertilization influences soil aggregation, especially by regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in aggregate fractions. Here, we conducted a fixed-site field experiment to quantify [...] Read more.

Soil aggregation plays a critical role in the maintenance of soil structure and crop productivity. Fertilization influences soil aggregation, especially by regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in aggregate fractions. Here, we conducted a fixed-site field experiment to quantify the effect of five N application rates: 0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg·N·ha⁻¹, denoted as N0, N75, N150, N225, and N300, respectively, on soil aggregate stability, aggregate-associated SOC and TN sequestration and crop productivity. Soil aggregates were divided into >0.25 (>5, 5–2, 2–1, 1–0.5, 0.5–0.25) and <0.25 mm through wet and dry sieving methods. The results showed that long-term fertilization increased the proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm), decreased the proportion of micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm), and improved the aggregates stability. Compared with N0, the proportion of micro-aggregates in N225 was significantly decreased by 66.45% under wet sieving, while the proportion of >5 mm macro-aggregates in N225 was significantly increased by 19.24% under dry sieving (p < 0.05). With the increase in N application rate, the bulk SOC and TN contents first increased and then decreased, and the SOC and TN of N225 were significantly increased by 17.75% and 72.33% compared with N0 (p < 0.05). More specifically, fertilization promoted the distribution and enrichment of SOC and TN in macro-aggregates and reduced the C/N of the micro-aggregates and the contribution of SOC and TN in the micro-aggregates. Compared with N0, the contribution rate of macro-aggregates to SOC and TN of N225 under wet sieving was significantly increased by 84.13 and 17.18%, respectively, while the C/N of micro-aggregates of N225 under wet and dry sieving methods was significantly decreased by 45.95 and 31.74%, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, fertilization improved the yield, and N225 significantly increased the total yield by 80.68% compared with N0 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, N225 was the suitable N application for improving soil aggregate stability, carbon and nitrogen sequestration, and crop productivity on the Loess Plateau, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3383 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improved Water Use of the Maize Soil–Root–Shoot System under the Integrated Effects of Organic Manure and Plant Density

by Li-Chao Wei, Hua-Ping Zhang, Xiao-Lin Wang and Sui-Qi Zhang

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13041172 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1379

Abstract

On the Loess Plateau of China, water shortage and serious soil erosion are the key factors that restrict local agricultural development, especially in terms of crop yield. In order to expound the effect of treatment with organic manure in root growth, water transpiration [...] Read more.

On the Loess Plateau of China, water shortage and serious soil erosion are the key factors that restrict local agricultural development, especially in terms of crop yield. In order to expound the effect of treatment with organic manure in root growth, water transpiration and evaporation, biomass allocation and grain yield and WUE (water use efficiency), we took maize (Zheng Dan 958) sown for four years with three replicates at three densities. The results show that the highest rate of maize grain yield increase with organic manure is about 9.99% for a density of 90,000 plants/ha; at the same time, ET (evapotranspiration) and WUE also achieved marked increments, which the highest values of 415.47 mm with a density of 75,000 plants/ha and 7.92% with a density of 90,000 plants/ha, respectively. The results also demonstrate the obvious effect of organic manure in enhancing root growth and in the maximization of water transpiration and evaporation, and water use plays a vital and valuable role in biomass allocation. The results also serve as orientation for methods to increase maize yield and a reference for other crops in the relation of water and manure to their growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Phosphorus-Containing Polymers on the Shoot Dry Weight Yield and Nutritive Value of Mavuno Grass

by Marcelo Falaci Prudencio, Lucas José de Carvalho de Almeida, Adônis Moreira, Gabriela da Silva Freitas, Reges Heinrichs and Cecílio Viega Soares Filho

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13041145 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1352

Abstract

In an effort to improve fertility, recover degraded areas and increase support for the capacity of livestock on pasture, new forms of fertilizer are being developed. Polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) is an innovative source of phosphorus (P) for maintaining forage grass productivity. The [...] Read more.

In an effort to improve fertility, recover degraded areas and increase support for the capacity of livestock on pasture, new forms of fertilizer are being developed. Polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) is an innovative source of phosphorus (P) for maintaining forage grass productivity. The aim this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of P rates with the presence and absence of the polymer on the productivity, development and nutritional value of hybrid signalgrass (Urochloa spp.) cv. Mavuno. The field research was conducted on a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatments applied in a factorial scheme (2 × 4) + 1. The treatments included two P sources (uncoated MAP and polymers-coated MAP) at four rates (20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅), and the control received no P fertilization. The measured variables showed no differences between sources with or without polymer. The maximum production of accumulated shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) of the ‘Mavuno’ grass was 20.2 Mg ha⁻¹ with the dose of 114 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅. The value of crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility showed a quadratic response with maximum production of 76.5% and 15.9% for the P₂O₅ rates of 37.2 and 91.1 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, while the acid detergent insoluble fiber showed a linear increase up to the rate of 80 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅. No differences were observed in plant height, number of tillers, or the relative chlorophyll content between treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI