Optimization of irrigation and fertilization of drip‐irrigated corn in the chernozem area of north‐east China based on the CERES‐Maize model

Abstract

AbstractTo improve water and nitrogen utilization efficiency, and reduce nitrogen leaching in the chernozem area of north‐east China, field trial data and the CERES‐Maize model were used to optimize irrigation and fertilization management of drip‐irrigated corn. In this study field trial data for drip‐irrigated corn from 2014 and 2015 were used to calibrate and validate the CERES‐Maize model. Results show that yield and nitrogen leaching declined with decrease in the nitrogen fertilizer amount applied. Compared with the traditional nitrogen fertilizer amount applied in the study area (330 kg ha¯¹), yield was decreased with nitrogen fertilizer amounts of ≤170 kg ha¯¹, and nitrogen leaching was decreased with nitrogen fertilizer amounts of ≤240 kg ha¯¹. Yield was decreased in the absence of or reduced topdressing at the jointing stage, and nitrogen leaching was increased by topdressing at the jointing stage. Based on the results of simulations, it is suggested that drip‐irrigated corn in the chernozem area should be irrigated three or four times during the entire growth period. A total nitrogen fertilizer amount of 240 or 230 kg ha¯¹, and topdressing ratios at the jointing, tasseling and grain‐filling stages of 2/5–0‐3/5 or 1/3–1/3–1/3 were recommended. Eight optimal irrigation and fertilization schedules were identified. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.