Abstract
Water is one of the most important limiting factor of rainfed continuous maize (Zea mays L.) cropping systems in northwest of China. A three continuous year field experiments were conducted to study the influence of different nitrogen time of application on grain yield and water use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) in the Western Loess plateau. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with two treatments and three replicates. Treatments were; (one-third application of N at sowing + two-third application at pre-flowering) and (one-third application of N at sowing + one-third pre-flowering + one-third at milking) as T1 and T2 respectively. The results showed that, T1 significantly increased grain yield by 9% in 2014 and 2016; and WUE by 11% in 2016 compared to T2. T1 increased AE by 43% compared to T2. Our results indicate that ⅓ application of Nitrogen at sowing and ⅔ application of Nitrogen at pre–flowering (T1) for maize is more appropriate for sustainable maize production in terms of satisfactory grain-N recoveries and low environmental losses of N fertilizer.
Highlights
In dryland cropping systems, soil water availability and Nitrogen content are among the major factors limiting crop production (Sainju et al, 2009)
We hypothesized that maize grain yield; water use efficiency and agronomic efficiency are enhanced by timing of nitrogen application
Leaf area index increased with maturity and start to decrease after 120 days after sowing (DAS)
Summary
Soil water availability and Nitrogen content are among the major factors limiting crop production (Sainju et al, 2009). The depleted nature of the Loess soils coupled with limited precipitation and high evaporation of the area often results in low crop yield (Liu et al, 2009). Optimum rate and time of N application can enhance yield productivity and nutrient use efficiencies while reducing the environmental pollution (Nielsen, 2013). Grain yield and WUE is important for sustainable crop production in dryland farming systems. We hypothesized that maize grain yield; water use efficiency and agronomic efficiency are enhanced by timing of nitrogen application. The study investigated the influence of nitrogen timing of application on grain yield of maize, water use efficiency and agronomic efficiency in the Western Loess Plateau of China
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
