Influence of the depth of nitrogen-phosphorus fertiliser placement in soil on maize yielding

Abstract

The study presents the results of 4-year field trials; their purpose was to assess maize yield in relation to the depth of a mineral two-component (NP) fertiliser application in the soil layer, the type of nitrogen fertiliser (ammonium nitrate and urea) and the date of its application. The yield grain was significantly dependent on changing weather conditions in the growing seasons. Initial fertilisation with two-component NP fertiliser, regardless of the years, significantly affected the grain yield. Row fertilisation with two-component NP fertiliser increases the availability of phosphorus in the acid soil environment, elevating maize grain yield. The efficiency of row NP fertiliser application is determined by the natural soil richness in phosphorus. Maize grain yield depended more on the date of application than the form of nitrogen, and its application before sowing was more effective. The application of ammonium nitrate in the BBCH 15/16 stage significantly reduced the number of production ears per unit area compared to the pre-sowing application of this fertiliser. Deep fertiliser placement under the soil surface can be another tool to alleviate the negative consequences of the increasingly high temperatures and droughts.