New study examines combination of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with urea on maize growth

Recent research highlights that an optimal fertilizer strategy can significantly enhance maize growth and nitrogen efficiency. The study, published in Scientific Reports, focused on the effects of integrating slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with urea on maize yield, nitrogen uptake, and water use efficiency across two different tillage methods. Conducted at the Dongyang Experimental Base of Shanxi Agricultural University over two growing seasons, the research concentrated on how these fertilizer strategies influence crop growth, particularly in combination with distinct tillage practices.

Maize stands as a critical global food crop, and its yield optimization is crucial. The prevalent use of chemical fertilizers has sparked concerns over diminishing nitrogen use efficiency and environmental impacts. This study addresses these issues by exploring the joint application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea, aiming to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and productivity.

Employing randomized block designs, the research tested various fertilization treatments, including mixtures of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea. Findings revealed notable improvements with the combined strategy, especially when maintaining an optimal ratio of 70% slow-release to 30% urea, referred to as UNS2. This specific formulation was identified as beneficial for enhancing water use efficiency, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake, and overall maize yield.

During the field trials, different groups were monitored to assess parameters such as water consumption, growth stages, and the dry weight of plants at maturity. Formulations that combined fertilizers consistently outperformed traditional applications of solely urea or slow-release fertilizers. For instance, under the rotary tillage method, UNS2 demonstrated a yield increase of over 56% compared to untreated controls.

The study suggests that the combination method not only provides sufficient nutrient supply throughout the maize growth cycle but also mitigates losses typically associated with conventional fertilization practices. Specifically, the combined application enhances nutrient absorption and utilization, highlighting the importance of optimized fertilization strategies as agricultural methods evolve.

Additionally, subsoiling used in conjunction with rotary tillage showed positive effects on soil conditioning, addressing issues like soil compaction and root growth inhibition often observed with traditional rotary methods. The researchers suggest that the benefits of these combined approaches warrant wider adoption across agricultural communities, especially with ongoing research proving their effectiveness.

In conclusion, the research underlines the potential of integrating slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with urea to meet the dual challenges of boosting crop yields and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The authors recommend further large-scale trials of the UNS2 strategy to confirm its efficacy in various ecological settings.