The Delayed Effect of Low-Energy Lignite Organic Matter on the Treatment Optimization of Zea mays L. Grown for Silage

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted in the central-eastern Poland. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of low-energy lignite organic matter applied to the preceding crop in the form of an organomineral fertilizer on the treatment optimization of Zea mays L. maize grown for silage. Two factors were taken into account in the research: factor I—five fertilization plots control plot—without fertilization (1), NPKMgS (2), NPKMgS + N1(3), NPKMgS + N2 (4), NPKMgS + N3 (5); factor II—three varieties of Zea mays L. Nitrogen was applied as fertilizers 3, 4 and 5 at doses of N1-20, N2-40 and N3-60 kg per hectare. In the spring each year, selected plots were pre-sown with mineral fertilizers at doses of 100 kg·N, 35 kg·P, 125 kg·K, 12 kg·Mg and 14 kg·S per hectare. Organomineral fertilizer based on low-energy lignite was applied to the preceding crop (maize grown for silage) on two plots, in 1 and 5 t·ha−1 doses. Mineral fertilizers used in research significantly reduced the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur in the dry matter of plants. The uptake of the nutrients reached the highest values for maize treated with NPKMgS + N1, NPKMgS + N2 and NPKMgS + N3. The agronomic efficiency (AE) of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur, all of which were applied in the form of the polyfoska® fertilizer, M-MAKS (NPKMgS), potassium salt and urea, reached the highest values for plots treated with NPKMgS + N1 and NPKMgS + N2. In turn, the treatment of NPKMgS and NPKMgS + N3 with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur resulted in the highest values of physiological efficiency (PE). Based on the three-year research carried out with the use of polyfoska® M-MAKS (NPKMgS), potassium salt and urea in the fertilization of maize grown for silage, it is possible to recommend the optimal dose of NPKMgS + N1 mineral fertilizers (100-35-125-12-14 pre-sowing, 20 kg top dressing N) and NPKMgS + N2 (pre-sowing 100-35-125-12-14, top dressing 40 kg·N). The low-energy lignite applied to the preceding crop in doses of 1 t and 5 t at the NPKMgS + N1 and NPKMgS + N2 plots contributed to the achievement of the analyzed parameters (uptake, AE and AE) at a high level.