Nitrogen use efficiency from manure, fertilizer, and maize root to wheat uptake in a one-year 15N labeling field study

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Evaluating the contribution of diverse nitrogen (N) sources in agricultural systems is pivotal for optimizing sustainable farming practices. While knowledge exists about the roles of various N sources, there’s limited comprehensive data on the relative contributions of manure compost, fertilizer, and root residues to subsequent plant uptake. A comprehensive field study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, utilizing 15N labeling techniques to clarify these contributions. Four treatments were established, each incorporating four exogenous nitrogen sources (manure compost + urea + maize root + residual urea) applied concurrently at wheat seeding, with only one source being 15N labeled per treatment. Additional two treatments served as controls, one without 15N labelling and another without manure compost. During a wheat growing season, the N contribution from each individual source to subsequent wheat growth was quantified. Manure contributed 10% of the wheat seed N, while urea contributed 18% and maize root contributed 0.3%. Nitrogen recovery in distinct components of the wheat plant (seeds, straw, and roots) was assessed, revealing urea's superior use efficiency within the total wheat biomass at 55%. In contrast, both manure compost and maize root showed a recovery rate of 29%. Although this study spans only one-year, it offers fresh perspectives on the differential contribution and use efficiency of key N sources under field conditions, emphasizing their role in bolstering crop health and productivity for sustainable agriculture.