Nutrient requirements for maize in China based on QUEFTS analysis

Abstract

Estimating balanced nutrient requirements for maize (Zea mays L.) in China is essential to manage nutrient application more effectively for increasing crop yield and reducing the risk of negative environmental impact. On-farm datasets were collected from 2001 to 2010 from China's maize-producing regions to investigate the relationship between grain yield and nutrient accumulation in the above-ground plant dry matter of commercial hybrid maize. The QUEFTS (quantitative evaluation of the fertility of tropical soils) model was used to estimate the balanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) requirements in China's maize growing regions. The analysis indicated that there were great differences in the grain yield and nutrient uptake between spring maize and summer maize: minimum and maximum internal nutrient efficiencies (IE, kg grain per kg nutrient in the above-ground plant dry matter) were 36 and 89kg grain per kg N, 135 and 558kg grain per kg P, 30 and 132kg grain per kg K for spring maize, 31 and 70kg grain per kg N, 108 and 435kg grain per kg P, 32 and 110kg grain per kg K for summer maize. The model predicted a linear increase in grain yield if nutrients were taken up in balance until yield reached about 60–70% of the potential yield. To produce 1000kg of spring maize grain yield, 16.9kgN, 3.5kgP and 15.3kgK were required by above-ground dry matter of maize, and the corresponding IE were 59kg grain per kg N, 287kg grain per kg P and 65kg grain per kg K. For summer maize, 20.3kgN, 4.4kgP, 15.9kgK were needed to produce 1000kg maize grain in the linear part, and the corresponding IE were 49kg grain per kg N, 227kg grain per kg P and 63kg grain per kg K. Optimal N:P:K ratios in plant biomass were 4.83:1:4.37 for spring maize and 4.61:1:3.61 for summer maize, respectively. QUEFTS analysis also indicated that a balanced N, P and K removal by grain to produce 1000kg grain, when the target yield reached about 80% of the potential yield, the grain absorption of N, P and K accounted for 54%, 69% and 23% of above-ground N, P and K uptake for spring maize, and 67%, 85% and 23% for summer maize, respectively. Two-year field validation experiments indicated that the QUEFTS model could be used for estimating balanced nutrient requirements and contributed to developing fertilizer recommendations.