Optimizing Management of Mulched Fertigation Systems to Improve Maize Production Efficiency in Northeast China

Abstract

Mulched fertigation (MF) systems are quickly becoming one of the most promising technologies for achieving both high yields and high efficiencies in China. However, some regions show unsatisfactory results due to poor management. In this study, we designed a whole‐maize (Zea mays L.) production system (DS) based on the local environment, drawing on appropriate hybrid, densities, and advanced nutrient and water managements on the maize belt of Northeast China (NEC). Then, we performed seven on‐farm experiments over 2 yr to assess agronomic and economic performances comparing DS and farmers’ practices (FP) and conventional recommendations for high yield (HY) with the MF system. The grain yield with the DS averaged 14.5 Mg ha−1 with nutrient use efficiencies of 54 kg N kg−1, 161 kg P kg−1, and 161 kg K kg−1, and water productivity of 31.8 kg mm−1, which were all significantly higher than those of the FP. As a result, the net economic return of the DS significantly increased by 116% compared to the FP. The amount of fertilizer and irrigation water with the DS were 22 and 62% lower than those of HY, yet no yield losses occurred. As a result, water productivity and nutrient use efficiencies increased by 84% and 31 to 42%, respectively. Our DS optimized crop, fertilizer and water management provides an alternative approach to simultaneously increase both grain yield and resource use efficiency in China and could be applied to other similar arid and semiarid regions worldwide.Core Ideas We designed maize production system of mulched fertigation with hybrid maize model. Designed system had higher crop yields and economic returns than farmers’ practices. Designed system had higher nutrient efficiency and water productivity than high‐yielding and farmers’ system. The higher postanthesis biomass and N uptake was crucial for both high yield and high efficiency.