Nitrogen placement at sowing affects root growth, grain yield formation, N use efficiency in maize

Aims Grain yields of summer maize are significantly affected by different nitrogen (N) rates and depths through regulating root growth and distribution in soil. Understanding of effects of the deep placement of N on the root and shoot growth, grain yield and N use efficiency in summer maize are limi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant and soil 2020-12, Vol.457 (1-2), p.355-373
Main Authors: Cheng, Yi, Wang, Hui-Qin, Liu, Peng, Dong, Shu-Ting, Zhang, Ji-Wang, Zhao, Bin, Ren, Bai-Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural production
Agronomy
Analysis
Biomass
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Corn
Crop yield
Crop yields
Density
Ecology
Efficiency
Energy efficiency
Fertilization
Grain
Growth
Life Sciences
Nitrogen
Nitrogen fertilizers
Observations
Physiological aspects
Placement
Plant growth
Plant Physiology
Plant Sciences
Productivity
Regular Article
Rooting
Roots (Botany)
Soil Science & Conservation
Soils
Subsoils
Summer
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Summary:Aims Grain yields of summer maize are significantly affected by different nitrogen (N) rates and depths through regulating root growth and distribution in soil. Understanding of effects of the deep placement of N on the root and shoot growth, grain yield and N use efficiency in summer maize are limited. Methods In this study, four N rates: 225, 191.25, 157.5 and 0 kg ha −1 applied at four depths: 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm were studied. Soil N content, root dry weight, root length density, biomass, grain yield and N use efficiency of maize were measured. Results Compared to 225 kg N ha −1 applied at a depth of 5 cm, a 15% reduction in the N application rate at a depth of 15 cm induced a larger root length density in the subsoil, as well as a larger rooting depth. It also facilitated maintaining a higher level of biomass and N accumulation during the later growth period, which increased the N assimilation of grain and enhanced grain yield by 3.9%, N recovery efficiency by 66.7%, N agronomic efficiency by 38.5%, and partial factor productivity of N by 22.1%. Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrates that reducing the recommended N application rate of 225 kg ha −1 by 15% but applying it at a depth of 15 cm might be considered an efficient fertilization method that increases agricultural productivity and N use efficiency.
ISSN:0032-079X
1573-5036
DOI:10.1007/s11104-020-04747-2