Alleviation of Negative Climate Change Effects on Maize Yields in Northern Bosnia by Liming and Phosphorus Fertilization

Abstract

The very acid reaction, low levels of available phosphorus (P) and unfavorable physical properties of soils are often limiting maize yields in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH): average yield 4.42 t ha−1 and annual yield variation from 2.74 to 5.13 t ha−1 in 2001–2010 period. Lately, lower yields are mainly in close relation with drought and higher air temperature stress. Alleviation of these fluctuations is possible by corresponding soil and crop management. Aim of this study was testing liming and P fertilization impact on maize yields in 2007 and 2012 growing seasons. Two stationary field experiments were conducted in the spring of 2005 on Gradiska hydromorphic soils. Under unfavorable weather conditions in 2007 (Gradiska: 61 mm precipitation and 24.0 °C mean air temperature in July + August; averages 1961–1990 = 136 mm and 21.7 °C) maize grain yields were increased for 43% (liming effect: 3.99 and 5.69 t ha−1, for control and liming with 15 t ha−1 of hydratized lime, respectively) and for 30% (P effect: 3.18 and 4.12 t ha−1, for control and 1310 kg P2O5 ha−1, respectively). The stationary field experiment with liming (10 t of hydratized lime per ha) in combination with rates of monoammonium phosphate up to 1500 kg P2O5 ha−1 was started in autumn 2008 in Lijevce polje area (Mahovljani locality). Under drought stress in 2012 (Banja Luka: 54 mm precipitation in July + August; mean air temperature 24.8 °C; averages 1961–1990 = 188 mm and 20.2 °C) due to liming maize yield was increased for 25% (2.08 and 2.49 t ha−1, for control and liming, respectively), while P effect was non-significant. Low yield of maize was induced by the high proportion of barren plants. Additional climate change adaptation and alleviation of stress caused by drought in maize growing is possible by ploughing combined with fertilization in autumn instead in spring, by weed control and by growing more drought tolerant hybrids.