Real Time Nitrogen Management Research Articles

Real Time Nitrogen Management of Maize using CCM 200 Plus During Dry Season in Eastern Coastal Plains of India

Despite the increasing availability of chlorophyll meters in the market, their adoption remains limited due to the absence of region-specific thresholds. One such meter, the CCM 200 plus produced by Opti-Sciences Inc., stands out for its non-destructive nature, cost-effectiveness and reliability. However, specific thresholds for this meter in the eastern coastal plains of India, particularly for maize crops, are lacking. The current study was carried out at the P.G. Research Farm, MSSSoA during summer season of 2022-23 encompassing three chlorophyll content indices (CCI less than 35, CCI less than 40, CCI less than 45) with and without basal nitrogen applications, alongside fixed-time nitrogen management (FTNM) and Absolute N Control (no nitrogen) which were allocated in randomized block design with three replications. The findings indicated that both CCI less than 45 with basal nitrogen application and CCI less than 40 with basal nitrogen application demonstrated statistically similar maize grain yields, surpassing FTNM by 18.1% and 12.4%, respectively. However, adopting CCI less than 40 with basal nitrogen application resulted in savings of 30 kg N/ha compared to CCI less than 45 with basal nitrogen application for maize cultivation in the Eastern Coastal Plains of India.

Impact of SPAD chlorophyll meter based nitrogen management strategy on N uptake and soil properties in direct seeded rice

The present investigation was emphasized to evaluate the precision nitrogen management using SPAD meter in improving N uptake as well as soil fertility status in rice crop under direct seeded condition.The experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India during the monsoon season, 2018 including twelve treatment combinations of three rice cultivars (Sabour Ardhjal, Shushk Samrat, Shabhagi Dhan) and four N management levels (Control, Fixed time nitrogen management (FTNM), Real time nitrogen management (RTNM), Adjustable dose of nitrogen management (ADNM)). Results revealed that Shushk Samrat among the cultivars and FTNM among N management practices have recorded highest leaf N content as well as N uptake. There is no major difference observed in soil properties and it might take few years to observe the impact of nitrogen management strategies on soil properties.

Residual Effect of Nutrient Management Practices in Lowland Rice Varieties on Growth, Productivity, Economics and Nutrient Uptake of Succeeding Black Gram in Rice–Black Gram Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons (December–March) of 2019–20 and 2020–21 to study the residual effect of nutrient management practices in lowland kharif rice varieties on succeeding black gram variety PU 31. The experiment was set in split plot design with four rice varieties in main plots (viz. CR 1009 sub-1, CR 1018, Pooja and Upahar) and six nutrient management practices in sub-plots [(viz. Control, 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF: 80-40-40 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1), 50% RDF+FYM (@ 8 t ha-1), 50% RDF+Sesbania green manuring (@ 1.5 t ha-1), Rice crop manager (115.5 -32.7-52.8- 25.0 kg N, P2O5, K2O, ZnSO4 ha-1+FYM @ 3 t ha-1) and Real time nitrogen management (RDF+customised leaf colour chart (CLCC)] and each treatment was replicated thrice. Among different nutrient management practices in rice, rice crop manager exhibited highest number of pods plant-1 (31.3), seeds pod-1 (7.8), 1000 seed weight (39.6 g), seed yield (877 kg ha-1), haulm yield (2512 kg ha-1), gross return (Rs. 51352 ha-1), net return (`Rs. 38947 ha-1) and return Rs.`-1 invested (`Rs. 4.14) and highest uptake of N (78.83 kg ha-1), P (7.60 kg ha-1) and K (53.09 kg ha-1) in residual black gram. This was at par with 50% RDF+FYM @ 8 t ha-1 and significantly higher than all other nutrient managements in preceding rice. So, nutrient management as per rice crop manger and 50% RDF+8 t FYM ha-1 to the preceding rice crop had significant residual influence in achieving highest yield and economic returns from succeeding black gram in rice-black gram cropping sequence.

Real Time Nitrogen Management Through Leaf Colour Chart and Chlorophyll Meter in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Of Jammu

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of real time nitrogen management through leaf colour chart and chlorophyll meter in wheat. The experimental results revealed that Leaf color chart ≤5 based nitrogen application recorded significantly higher growth, yield and yield attributes, which was statistically at par with leaf color chart ≤ 4, sufficiency index and leaf color chart ≤3. However, recommended nitrogen application recorded significantly highest agro physiological efficiency. Sufficiency index recorded highest benefit cost ratio (B:C) which was followed by leaf color chart ≤ 4 and leaf color chart ≤ 5. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 277-282, 2023 (June)

Influence of nitrogen and weed-management practices on crop-growth indices and productivity of dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)

A field study was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 2019–20 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the effect of nitrogen and weed management practices in dry direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) for obtaining higher productivity and crop growth. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, taking 3 nitrogen treatments, i.e. No N (P and K only), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF–N : P : K = 80 : 17 : 33 kg/ha) (3 splits of nitrogen application–50% basal + 25% at tillering + 25% at panicle-initiation stage), 50% N from FYM + 50% N as real-time nitrogen management (top-dressing) as per leaf colour chart (LCC) up to panicle-initiation stage in main plots. Four weed-management treatments, viz. unweeded control, weed-free control, Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence followed by (fb) brown manuring with Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight; Syn. S. aculeata [(Willd.) Pers.] (knocking down Sesbania by Bispyribac- Na 25 g a.i./ha at 25 days after sowing (DAS), Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence fb Bispyribac -Na @ 25 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS in subplots with 3 replications. Result revealed that, Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence fb brown manuring with Sesbania bispinosa significantly increased grain yield (2.78 t/ha) as well as growth indices like leaf-area index (1.8 and 4.4 at 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively), crop-growth rate (1.9 g/m2 /day, 8.8 g/m2 /day at 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively), relative growth rate (145.3 mg/g/day and 54.5 mg/g/day 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively), net assimilation rate (0.40 g/m2 /day 3.49 g/m2/day at 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively) and dry-matter accumulation (185.6 g/m2 , 591.6 g/m2 and 1,144 g/m2 at 40 DAS, 70 DAS and harvesting, respectively) to the other treatments. In case of N-management practices, combined use of FYM and LCC-based N management gave the highest grain yield (3.25 t/ha), growth indices like leaf-area index (1.69 and 4.0 at 40 DAS and 70 DAS respectively) crop-growth rate (1.8 g/m2/day, 8.2 g/m2/day at 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively), relative growth rate (145.1 mg/g/day and 55.1 mg/g/day at 40 DAS and 70 DAS, respectively) and dry-matter accumulation (168.5 g/m2 , 523.2 g/m2 and 958 g/m2 at 40 DAS, 70 DAS and harvesting, respectively) comparable with RDF application and significantly higher than the plot without N.

Green Seeker and chlorophyll meter-assisted nitrogen management increased the rice productivity in direct seeded dry rice

Prediction of nutrient requirements is crucial for successful decision-making in crop production. The objective of this experiment was to study the real-time nitrogen management (RTNM) in dry direct-seeded with Green Seeker and SPAD meter in rainfed rice. The experiment was done in a randomized block design with seven treatments viz. T1 : N omission, T2 : N applied as basal and active tillering (AT), T3 : N as basal, AT and panicle initiation (PI), T4 : N as basal and top dressing at NDVI threshold of 0.75, T5 : N as basal and at NDVI threshold of 0.8, T6 : N as basal and SPAD35, and T7 : N as basal and SPAD37.5. An early maturing drought tolerant rice variety Sahbhagi Dhan was drill seeded (dry) for this study. The soil of the site of the experiment was sandy loam, acidic with medium organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Basal application of 30 kg N ha-1 followed by top dressing of 20 kg N ha-1 two times at 35 and 63 DAS directed by NDVI threshold level of 0.8 (T5 ) was superior compared totherest of the treatment effects in terms of growth, productivity, profitability, nutrient, and energy use efficiency.

Response of optimization and sufficiency index in Bt cotton (Gossypium spp.) through optical sensor based nitrogen management

To break the productivity barriers in Bt cotton (Gossypium spp.), adoption of optical sensor based nitrogen (N) management practices is the need of the hour. In light of this, a field experiment was conducted at the main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka during rainy (kharif) season 2019 and 2020 to optimize the response index (RI) and sufficiency index (SI) for real time nitrogen management in Bt cotton through optical sensors. Experiment was conducted in split plot design with 16 treatment combinations having 2 genotypes (main plot) and 8 N management practices (subplot). Pooled data indicated that non-significant (P=0.3480) difference in seed cotton yield was observed with genotypes (First Class and Ajeet 155 recorded 3313 and 3159 kg/ha, respectively). Seed cotton yields varied significantly (P<.0001) due to different optical sensor-based N management practices. N supplementation at 1.1–1.5 RI and 81–90% SI (4460 and 4412 kg/ha, respectively) produced higher but on par yields with RDF (4386 kg/ha) with saving of 15 kg N through sensors during both the years. Interactions were found non-significant (P>.9999). Similarly, N supplementation at 1.1–1.5 RI and 81–90% SI recorded significantly (P<.0001) higher number of good and bad opened bolls, total number of bolls, sympodials, seed cotton yield per plant, boll weight, lint index and harvest index but was found on par with RDF.

Effect of Planting Techniques and Nitrogen Scheduling on Productivity and Profitability of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Aim: The present experiment was carried out at Crop Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.), India, to study the effect of planting techniques and nitrogen scheduling on scented wet rice, water productivity and soil health in Inceptisol during kharif season of 2019 and 2020.
 Study Design: Experiment was laid out in split plot design (SPD) using crop planting techniques as main plot and nitrogen scheduling as sub plot factor.
 Place and Duration of Study: The present investigation was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 and 2020 at the Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.), India.
 Methodology: The main factors consist of four planting techniques viz., Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System (FIRBs), Reduced Tillage Transplanted Rice (RT-TPR), Unpuddled Transplanted Rice (UTR) and Conventional Transplanted Rice (CTR), the sub factors consist of six nitrogen scheduling variables viz., Control, 100% RDN (50% B + 25% AT + 25% PI), 100% RDN (40% B + 35% AT + 25% PI), 120% RDN (50% B + 25% AT + 25% PI), 120% RDN (40% B + 35% AT + 25% PI) and Real Time N Management through LCC. Observations on crop yield and attributing parameters were recorded at the harvest of crop. Crop was harvested manually at full physiological maturity. The straw yield was obtained by subtract grain yield from the total biomass yield, recorded plot wise after sun drying and computed to q ha-1.
 Results: Highest yield recorded under conventional transplanting which was statistically at par with FIRBs and significantly higher than UTR and RT-TPR. Among the nitrogen scheduling practices the highest yield and NPK uptake was obtained with Real Time N Management through LCC which was statistically at par with 120% RDN (50% B + 25% AT + 25% PI) and 100% RDN (50% B + 25% AT + 25% PI), lowest yield and nutrient uptake was obtained in control treatment during both the years of study. Highest net return and B: C ratio was recorded under furrow irrigated raised beds transplanted rice.
 Conclusion: Basmati rice gave the higher yield under CTR and net return was associated with FIRBs. Therefore, it may be concluded that transplanting of rice on FIRBs with real time nitrogen management through LCC might be a better option to get higher productivity and profitability of basmati rice.

Effect of plant Sensor based real time Nitrogen management on growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop

A field experiment was conducted at RARS Nandyal during Kharif season of 2017 to study the precision nitrogen management in rice crop, grown under conservation agriculture. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments (absolute control, recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF), STBF, precision N management practices like green seeker, LCC, SPAD) in vertisols. Amongst tested N management strategies; a saving of N by 45 and 20 kg with green seeker, LCC and SPAD, respectively was found compared to recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). There was no significant difference between any treatment for yield attributes like plant height, production tillers per hill , panicle length and grains per panicle. Among all the treatments, Green Seeker directed N application recorded highest grain (5.5 t ha-1) and straw yield (8.4 t ha-1) compared to all the treatments followed by LCC based N application (5.2 t ha-1). By using Green seeker 45 kg N ha-1 was minimized as compared to RDN. Benefit cost ratio was found to be highest (2.76) with Green seeker which also was statistically at par with LCC (2.45) and SPAD (2.32) and lowest with control (0.72).

Real-time nitrogen management using decision support-tools increases nitrogen use efficiency of rice

Several decision support tools have been proposed for precision nitrogen (N) fertilizer application in rice (Oryza sativa L.) to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yields. However, a comparison of their effectiveness has not been well documented. A field experiment was conducted in western Terai of Nepal during 2017–2018 to identify the appropriate decision support tool for improving NUE and grain yields. Nine N fertilizer management treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included a GreenSeeker (GS) optical sensor, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) meter, leaf color chart (LCC), each of these treatments with basal application of N at 25 kg ha−1, urea briquette deep placement (UDP), and the existing government-recommended practice (RP, 100 kg N ha−1). N fertilizer application guided by decision support tools had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on grain yields. UDP produced the highest grain yield (6.80 Mg ha−1) among the treatments. Grain yields were not significantly different among GS, LCC (in combination with basal 25 kg N ha−1), RP, and UDP treatments. However, GS, UDP, and LCC saved N input by 54%, 22%, and 21%, respectively, compared to RP. In addition, GS produced a significantly higher agronomic N use efficiency (ANUE), partial factor productivity of N (PFPN), apparent N recovery (ANR), and utilization efficiency of N (UEN) compared to RP. These results suggest that application of N fertilizer guided by the GS decision support tool can save significant amount of N fertilizer compared to the current RP without compromising grain yield.

Nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency of rice genotypes under LCC- based N application during summer

A field experiment was undertaken at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, OUAT Bhubaneswar to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to LCC based nitrogen application under Real Time Nitrogen Management (RTNM) during summer 2015 in split plot design with three replications. Four varieties (V1- Lalat, V2- Naveen, V3- Hiranmayee and V4- Gobinda) were in main plot and sub plots were assigned with six N- management practices (N1- Control, N2- RDN@ 80 kg N ha-1 while in treatment N3 to N6, 20 kg N was applied in each split at LCC level 3 ( N3), LCC level 4( N4), LCC level 5(N5) and LCC level 6 (N6). A uniform dose of phosphorous and potassium @ 40 kg ha-1 each along with well decomposed FYM @ 5t ha-1 were applied to all the plots as basal. Nitrogen uptake was maximum (88.59 kg ha-1) in variety Naveen, whereas, the variety Gobinda had maximum agronomic efficiency (24.12 kg kg-1), recovery efficiency (37.23 kg kg-1), physiological efficiency (53.33 kg kg-1) and partial factor productivity (44.58 kg kg-1).Application of RDF resulted in maximum uptake of nitrogen (94.20 kg ha-1) and registered the highest agronomic efficiency (32.86 kg kg-1), recovery efficiency (55.40 kg ka-1)and partial factor productivity (65.61 kg ka-1). The highest physiological efficiency of 63.93 kg ha-1 and minimum N loss of 29.35 kg ha-1 was recorded forLCC 4 (N4) threshold value.

Real Time Nitrogen Management through Organic and Inorganic Sources in Wheat

Real Time Nitrogen Management through Organic and Inorganic Sources in Wheat

Some Aspects of Nitrogen Management and Its Real Time Application in Direct Seeded Rice Using Leaf Color Chart

Proper application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is vital to improve the growth and grain yield of rice crop. As there prevails more aerobic period in direct seeded rice, nitrogen loss is generally more in such environment. Therefore, nitrogen recommendation for direct seeded rice is slightly higher (22.5-30 Kg ha-1) than that under the transplanted rice. Insufficient and/or inappropriate nitrogen fertilizer application is highly critical to the crops. Optimal nitrogen management strategies aim at matching the nitrogen fertilizer supply to the actual crop demand. Leaf color is generally used as a visual and subjective indicator of the rice crop need for nitrogen fertilizer. The Leaf Color Chart is a simple and inexpensive tool for real time nitrogen management in rice. It helps farmers to improve their decision-making process in nitrogen management. It provides the idea of when and how much nitrogen fertilizer to apply based on relative greenness of the rice leaf. In overall, LCC based nitrogen management improves productivity and profitability of the rice crop by nitrogen saving and ensuring its higher use efficiency.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 81-86

Soil carbon dynamics and enzymatic activities under different resource conservation technologies in rice-green gram cropping system

The effects of different resource conservation practiceson SOC pools, soil enzymatic activities were studied under tropical lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.)-green gram (Vigna radiata) soilsystem in a long-term experiment, which was established in 2012. Seven RCTs i.e., conventional farmer's practice, brown manuring, green manuring, wet direct drum seeding, zero tillage, green manuring plus real time nitrogen management by customized leaf colour chart and biochar application were broadly included in the experiment. Soil organic carbon (SOC) pools were significantly higher under Green manuring treatment compared to conventional control. Soil labile carbon fractions and enzymatic activities were significantly higher under RCTs over control. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher under zero tillage as compared to other resource conservation practices as well as conventional treatments and 13% more than that of conventional control. It can be concluded from the experimental data that resource conservation practices like zero tillage could offer carbon saving by increase soil carbon stock in tropical lowland rice-green gram soil.

Low carbon resource conservation techniques for energy savings, carbon gain and lowering GHGs emission in lowland transplanted rice

Six resource conservation techniques (RCTs) including control were imposed in field during 2013, 2014 on lowland rice (dry season) – rice (wet season) system to assess their impacts on rice production, energy savings, carbon storage, soil carbon fractions, functional microbial diversities and greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide) emission. The resource conservation techniques broadly included i) residue incorporation, ii) in-situ green manuring, iii) zero tillage, iv) mechanical transplanting and v) mechanical transplanting with real time nitrogen management. The control refers to conventional practices (manual transplanting, weeding and harvesting). The energy savings was found highest under zero tillage technique which was 14.4, 17.9% and 13.3, 16.4% higher than conventional practices in dry and wet cropping seasons in 2013 and 2014, respectively. However, in 2013, energy output-input ratio was found maximum under mechanical transplanting with real time nitrogen management (7.64) in dry seasons and under residue incorporation technique (10.78) in wet season. But, in the year 2014 the energy ratio was found maximum 7.62 (dry season) and 10.0 (wet season) under in-situ green manuring. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change was significantly higher under zero tillage transplanted rice by 5.3, 6.8% and 8.3, 9.7% as compared to control in the dry and wet seasons of 2013 and 2014, respectively. Methane (CH4) emission was significantly less in zero tillage than control (11.7%). However, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission was significantly low (18.3%) in real time nitrogen management technique as compared to other treatments. In general, soil labile carbon fractions and enzymatic activities were significantly higher under RCTs over control, signified improvement of soil quality. Resource conservation technique having zero tillage and real time nitrogen management in transplanted rice could offer a low carbon technology in long run in one hand as these minimize greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and increase soil carbon stock and also sustain yield in tropical lowland rice.

Real-time nitrogen management in aerobic rice by adopting leaf color chart (LCC) as influenced by silicon

ABSTRACTLeaf color chart (LCC) guides fertilizer nitrogen (N) application to rice as per requirement of the crop on the basis of a critical leaf color. Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of silicon (Si) and LCC based N management in aerobic rice. Following LCC-based N management, from 60 to 90 kg N ha−1 and 75 to 100 kg N ha−1 with 10–40% and 25–30% less fertilizer N was used without any reduction in yield as compared to the package of practices of 100 (50 kg N ha−1 as basal + two split of 25 kg N ha−1) kg N ha−1 respectively, during both the seasons. The highest grain yield was noticed with 90 kg N ha−1 (30 kg N ha−1 as basal + LCC-3) and 100 kg N ha−1 (50 kg N ha−1 as basal + two split of 25 kg N ha−1) along with the application of calcium silicate (CaSiO3) at 2 t ha−1 as sources of Si and on par with 60 kg N ha−1 (no basal + LCC-3) and 75 kg N ha−1 (30 kg N ha−1 as basal + LCC-3), respectively, during the season in 2008 and 2009. Higher fertilizer N use efficiency was recorded with Si and need-based N management using LCC-3 rather than recommended dose of fertilizer N.

Effect of LCC-based nitrogen application on growth and yieldof rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties during dry season

Data from a field experiment on Real Time Nitrogen Management (RTNM) in rice revealed that variety Gobinda produced significantly the highest grain yield of 49.6 q ha-1 associated with long panicle (26.75 cm) bearing significantly the maximum number of filled grains panicle-1 (156.78) producing highest net return (Rs.33214.71), B-C ratio (1.83) and return per rupee invested (0.83). Application of nitrogen based on LCC threshold value 4 produced significantly the highest grain (52.6 q ha-1), straw yield (64.4 q ha-1), number of EBT m-2 (403.71), panicle length (25.43 cm) and 148.94 filled grain panicle-1. Variety x RTNM interaction was significant and variety Naveen and Gobinda produced significantly the highest yield of 55.4 and 58.2 q ha-1 at recommended of nitrogen whereas, Lalat and Hiranmayee responded to LCC threshold value 4 (N4) with grain yield of 50.4 and 52.1 q ha-1, respectively.

Calibrating leaf colour chart for optimal fertilizer nitrogen management in basmati rice under temperate conditions of Kashmir

Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 with the aim to develop optimal nitrogen management for Basmati rice cv. ‘Pusa Sugandh-3’ using leaf colour chart (LCC). The treatments included no nitrogen (N0) treatment, three fixed time (60, 90 and 120 kg N ha−1) and four real time nitrogen management treatments. Grain and straw yield, total N uptake and various indices of N use efficiency were measured in both the years. The best response in all the parameters assessed was achieved with LCC treatments maintained at 20 kg N ha−1 (LCC 420) and 30 kg N ha−1 (LCC 430). However, LCC 420 treatment had significantly higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) as compared to LCC 430 treatment because the nitrogen applied in former treatment was 20 kg ha−1 lesser than the later, while as yield in both the treatments was same. Based on the principle that threshold value is the one which simultaneously optimizes grain yield and NUE, LCC 420 treatment was adjudged as threshold value for real time N management in Basmati rice variety ‘Pusa Sugandh-3’ under temperate conditions of Kashmir.

Climate Change Adaptation: Real Time Nitrogen Management in Maize (Zea mays L.) Using Leaf Colour Chart

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi 2011-12 and 2012-13 to study the real time nitrogen management using leaf colour chart (LCC) in maize (Zea mays L.). Basal dose of 20-50 kg N-P2O5/ ha was applied in all the treatments. Top dressing of 60 or 80 N in form of Urea in two splits at LCC 2, 3, 4 and 5 were compared with fixed time N application [50 kg N/ha at 30 DAS + 30 kg N/ha at 60 days after sowing (DAS)]. Top dressing of 50 kg N/ha + 30 kg N/ha when LCC=4 or LCC=5 significantly improved growth and yield attributes viz., plant height, dry matter accumulation/plant, number of leaves/plant, stem diameter, number of internodes/ plant, leaf area index, cob length, cob girth, number of cobs/plant, number of grains/cob, grain weight/plant and 1000-grain weight along with higher grain and stover yields, grain protein content and economic returns over fixed time application of 50 kg N/ha at 30 DAS + 30 kg N/ha at 60 DAS.

Recent Advances on the Technologies to Increase Fertilizer Use Efficiency

To increase fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) and to minimize its negative impact on environment have been the focal points in the world for a long time. It is very important to increase FUE in China for its relatively low FUE and serious losses of nutrients. Recent advances of the technologies to increase FUE are reviewed in this article. These include site-specific and real-time nitrogen management, non-destructive quick test of the nitrogen status of plants, new types of slow release and controlled release fertilizers, site-specific nutrient management, and use of urease inhibitor and nitrification inhibitor to decrease nitrogen losses. Future outlook in technologies related to FUE improvement is also discussed.