Effect of N fertilization on yield and moisture extraction by rainfed maize as affected by soil type and rainfall in Punjab, India

Abstract

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in a sub-humid region of Northern India for a 3-year period on loamy sand (Ustifluvent) and sandy loam (Haplustalf) soils using four rates of N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha) to study their effect on yield and moisture extraction by rainfed maize. Seasonal rainfall varied from 477 to 861 mm. Grain yield and response to N application varied with soil type irrespective of seasonal rainfall. Response to N application was observed up to 40 and 80 kg N/ha in loamy sand and sandy loam soils, respectively. Compared with control, N application increased yield and water use in all situations. The fertilized crop used 23–49 mm more profile water than the unfertilized crop. The fertilized crop particularly utilized more water from lower layers (120–180 cm) during a low rainfall year.