Determining the effect of exogenous organic materials on spatial distribution of maize yield

Bogusław Usowicz,Jerzy Lipiec

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-56266-5

Bogusław Usowicz, Jerzy Lipiec

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56266-5

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Abstract

Knowledge on spatial distribution of crop yield in relation to fixed soil fertilisation with exogenous organic materials is essential for improving precise crop and soil management practices within a field. This study assessed the effect of various application rates and types of exogenous (recycled) organic materials (EOMs) containing different organic matter and nitrogen contents vs. mineral nitrogen on the yield of maize by means of linear regressions (trends), spatial kriging-interpolated maps, and Bland-Altman statistics. The experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 on two soils, i.e. loam silt in Braszowice (Poland) and clay silt loam in Pusté Jakartice (Czech Republic) under a cross-border cooperation project. The organic materials included compost from manure, slurry, and straw (Ag), industrial organic compost from sewage sludge (Ra), animal meal from animal by-products (Mb), and digestate from a biogas fries factory (Dg). The following 3 application rates of each EOM were adjusted according to the reference 100% = 200 kg N ha−1: 50 (50% N from EOM and 50% mineral N), 75 (75% N from EOM and 25% mineral N), and 100 (100% N from EOM). 100% mineral N was applied on control plots. All treatments were carried out in 4 replicates. The linear regressions between the EOM application rates and the maize yield were in general ascending in the Braszowice soil and descending in the more productive Pusté Jakartice soil. The spatial kriging-interpolated maps allowed separating zones of lower and higher yields with EOMs compared to the control. They were attributed in part to the different EOM application rates and soil water contents. The Bland-Altaman statistics showed that addition of 50% of N from EOMs in 2013 caused a decrease and an increase in the maize grain yield in Braszowice and Pusté Jakartice, respectively, whereas the inverse was true with the 75 and 100% EOM additions. In 2014, the yield of maize for silage increased with the increasing EOM application rate in Braszowice and decreased in Pusté Jakartice, but it was smaller on all EOM-amended plots than in the control. As shown by the limits of agreement lines, the maize yields were more even in Pusté Jakartice than Braszowice. These results provide helpful information for selection of the most yield-producing EOM rates depending on the site soil conditions and prevalent weather conditions.

Highlights

As shown by the limits of agreement lines, the maize yields were more even in Pusté Jakartice than Braszowice. These results provide helpful information for selection of the most yield-producing exogenous (recycled) organic materials (EOMs) rates depending on the site soil conditions and prevalent weather conditions
The highest (0.702 Mg m−3) and lowest (0.117 Mg m−3) bulk density were noted for meal from animal by-products (Mb) and Dg, respectively, whereas an opposite result was found for the soil water content, namely the smallest value was exhibited by Mb (0.046 m3 m−3) and the highest level was determined for Dg (0.865 m3 m−3)
The regression trends of maize yield in general increased with the increasing EOM application rate in Braszowice and decreased in the more productive Pusté Jakartice soil

Summary

Objectives

The aim of the work was (i) to determine the spatial variability and distribution of maize yield on soil fertilised randomly with spatially different amounts of exogenous organic matter, (ii) to examine the effect of different percentages of nitrogen from exogenous organic materials vs conventional mineral nitrogen fertiliser only on the maize yield using Bland-Altman statistics, and (iii) to identify areas for improving the maize yield with consideration of site conditions

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion