Abstract
In order to maintain high yields and protect the environment, the replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic ones has received increasing attention in recent years. A 2-year field experiment (2015–2016) was carried out to assess the effects of substituting equal amounts of mineral fertilizer with organic manure on the yield, dry matter (DM), and nitrogen (N) uptake of spring maize (Zea mays L.) and on the mineral N (Nmin) distribution in the soil profile. The treatments included chemical fertilizer; different amounts of maize straw, cow manure, and chicken manure; and an unfertilized control (CK). Compared with the chemical fertilizer treatments, equal amounts of substitutions with cow manure or chicken manure increased production, and a 25% nutrient substitution resulted in the best yield increase. Straw return had no effect on maize production, and 100% straw return resulted in reduced production. The N accumulation and DM content both exhibited a slow-fast-slow growth trend throughout the various growth stages, and the average N uptake and DM accumulation in response to the treatments followed the order of chicken manure > cow manure > chemical fertilizer > straw return > CK. The Nmin content in the profile not only increased as the Nmin application rate increased but also showed greater increases at certain depths than at the surface, indicating that excessive N led to leaching. These results suggest that an appropriate proportion of organic substitution not only provides enough nutrients but also improves the soil environment and leads to increased yields. This technique represents a practical method of continuously increasing production and reducing the risk of N leaching.
Highlights
Increases in grain yield over recent decades in China were largely dependent on heavy investments in fertilizer
The average yield of CM25 combined with 75% chemical N in two years was 11.9% higher than that with CM100
The yield in response to PM25 combined with 75% chemical N was the highest, and the grain yield was approximately 9.8% higher in the PM25 treatment than the MF treatment and 14.0% higher in the PM25 treatment than the PM100 treatment
Summary
Increases in grain yield over recent decades in China were largely dependent on heavy investments in fertilizer. China has been the world’s greatest consumer of N fertilizer since 1985. Effects of equal chemical fertilizer substitutions with organic manure on spring maize and soil applied fertilizers (e.g., N) by crops, which leads to considerable losses of N and environmental pollution [1]. Compared to the separate application of chemical fertilizers, the application of manure is beneficial to the soil nutrient balance, soil structure and moisture-holding capacity, and facilitates environmental protection [2, 3]. The application of organic fertilizers represents a good method of maintaining crop yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) reserves [4]. Manure has been applied as a major amendment to maintain soil fertility [5]
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