The nitrogen content of corn grain as affected by hybrid,population, and location

Abstract

Samples were taken from 9 of the 20 major experiments which comprised the Illinois commercial corn (Zea mays L.) performance trial and evaluated for grain yield, percent grain N, and grain N yield.

The mean percent N in the grain was 1.54%, with 91.8% of the samples between 1.34 to 1.74%. Although location and plant population affected the mean values, the range of values about the mean was relatively unaffected. Grain N yield was more closely correlated with grain yield than with percent grain N.     

玉米植株冠层遥感技术揭示N缺乏的空间变异特征

To evaluate the temporal patterns in N deficiencies in corn and assess the ability of remote sensing to diagnose N deficiencies during the vegetative growth of corn, three field-scale experiments were conducted with various rates (56, 112, and 168 kg N ha-1), timing (early and late applications) and placement (injected into soil and dribbled on soil surface) of N fertilization in a split-plot design. Relationships between canopy reflectance during the growing season and yield data at the end of growing season were studied for different treatments. Results showed significant variation in both grain yields and canopy reflectance among the three cornfields. The N fertilization made in early June resulted in low canopy reflectance in early July, but the differences disappeared as the season progressed. The effect of N rates on canopy reflectance was not significant in early July but it gradually became detectable in mid-July and thereafter. The fertilizer placement had a significant effect on grain yields only in one field but not on canopy reflectance in all three fields. These observations suggest that the deficiency of N developed under field conditions is a dynamic phenomenon, which adds complexity for accurately defining “N deficiency” and effectively developing management strategies for in-season correction. Remote sensing throughout the season helps collect information about important interactions that have not been given enough attention in the past.     

Crop canopy sensor orientation for late season nitrogen determination in corn

Increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in irrigated corn production is of great importance to overall agricultural sustainability. Studies have shown that crop canopy sensors can aid in this pursuit as they allow for the determination of nitrogen (N) requirements in split applications later in the growing season. Fertigation can also increase NUE as many split applications can be conducted. If crop canopy sensors could be used to direct N fertigation rates, overall NUE may be increased even further. However, in some cases, N differences may need to be determined later in the growing season after corn has tasseled, which can cause issues with crop canopy sensor readings. Therefore, a study was initiated to evaluate the potential of a crop canopy sensor to differentiate between N levels at two corn (Zea mays) growth stages (R1 and R3) after the corn had tasseled. The sensor was placed in three orientations to evaluate which orientation best determined the corn N status across two sensor-calculated indices while avoiding taking measurements involving the corn tassel. These orientations were (1) nadir, between corn rows (above canopy), (2) 45° off nadir within the corn canopy (below corn tassel), and (3) 90° off nadir within the corn canopy (below corn tassel). The results of this study show that N differences in late season corn can be determined by utilizing crop canopy sensors in an inter-row orientation. Results also show that the red edge normalized difference vegetation index (ReNDVI) index is superior to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) index for late season N determinations in corn. These results suggest that crop canopy sensors could be an effective tool for determining N requirements of corn late in the growing season.     

不同施氮量及基追比例对玉米冠层生理性状和产量的影响

以加拿大魁北克地区推广的玉米品种Pioneer 38B84为材料,研究不同施氮量和基追比例对玉米最上一片全展开叶SPAD值、Dualex值、净光合速率(PN)、叶面积指数(LAI)、地上部生物量、冠层叶绿素密度(SPAD×LAI)、冠层光合能力(PN×LAI)以及产量的影响。试验设5个处理:N0(基0+追0)、N20+93(基20 kg/hm2+追93 kg/hm2)、N45+68(基45 kg/hm2+追68 kg/hm2)、N113(基113 kg/hm2+追0)和SAT225[基225(播种时施氮45 kg/hm2,播种后10 d再沟施180 kg/hm2)+追0],完全随机区组设计,重复4次,基本苗为79000株/hm2。结果表明,追肥前,叶片SPAD值、PN、LAI、地上部生物量、SPAD×LAI及PN×LAI均随基肥氮量的增加而增加,Dualex值则降低。同等施氮量下,基肥配合追肥显著提高叶片SPAD值,而追肥对叶片Dualex值和PN无显著影响。虽然基肥配合追肥处理的LAI、地上部生物量、SPAD×LAI、PN×LAI在追肥后均显著低于氮肥一次性基施,但显著提高了玉米产量。基施氮肥20 kg/hm2与45 kg/hm2处理之间玉米产量无差异,但前者过早地表现出缺氮。总施氮量为113 kg/hm2时,其SPAD值、Dualex值、PN、LAI、地上部生物量、SPAD×LAI以及PN×LAI等指标在出苗后256~0 d与SAT225处理差异不显著,但产量却显著低于SAT225处理。本试验条件下,基肥量45 kg/hm2能较好地满足玉米前期生长,但总施氮量113 kg/hm2不能满足玉米全生育期的需求,需要进一步地评估适宜的施氮量。同等施氮量下,基肥配合追肥显著提高玉米产量;SPAD值和Dualex值均与玉米植株氮含量显著相关,SPAD和Dualex可以作为实时快速指导玉米追肥的有效工具。     

Current potassium‐management status and grain‐yield response of Chinese maize to potassium application

The great achievement of the development of intensive in agriculture in China can be partly attributed to substantial increases in mineral‐nutrient application. However, whereas farmers tend to apply high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application of potassium (K) has been neglected. A greater understanding of the relationship between maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and K‐application rate is thus required to provide an improved rationale for K fertilization for farmers in the various agro‐ecological regions of China. In this study, a total of 2765 farmers' survey data and 3124 on‐farm experiments across major maize agro‐ecological regions in China were collected and evaluated for farmers' K‐management status and to determine grain‐yield response to K application. Nationally, the average K‐application rate on farms was 26 kg K ha^–1 and varied from 0 to 158 kg K ha^–1, with a coefficient of variation of 107%, but the applied K‐fertilizer rates were not related to grain yield. Maize grain yields at recommended K rates increased by 14.0%, 14.7%, 19.4%, and 4.3% in Northeast China, North China Plain, Southwest China, and Northwest China, respectively, compared to zero K fertilization (K₀). Increased yield due to K fertilization (IY_max, difference between maximum yield across all treatments and K₀‐treatment yield for each experiment) averaged 1.4 t ha^–1 but varied widely in different agro‐ecological regions. Soil extractable K (NH₄OAc‐K) and intercounty variation resulted in large variation in IY_max in agro‐ecological regions, as did other factors, such as use of particular maize hybrids, soil types, or years in different regions.     

Leaf senescence induced by nitrogen deficiency as indicator of genotypic differences in nitrogen efficiency in tropical maize

Nitrogen efficiency is a complex trait. Identification of secondary plant traits correlating with N efficiency would facilitate the breeding for N‐efficient cultivars. Sixteen tropical maize cultivars differing in grain yield at low N supply (N efficiency) under field conditions in Zimbabwe exhibited a significant negative correlation between N efficiency and leaf senescence during grain filling. The same cultivars were studied for leaf senescence under N deficiency in a short‐term nutrient‐solution experiment. Leaf chlorophyll contents as estimated by SPAD values and photosynthesis rates were used as measures for leaf senescence. Cultivars differed both in SPAD values and photosynthesis rates of the older leaves during N deprivation. Significant negative correlations were found between SPAD values, photosynthesis rates in the nutrient‐solution experiment, and leaf‐senescence scores in the field experiments, and positive correlations were found between photosynthesis rates and grain yield under low‐N conditions in the field. Relationships between physiological root parameters, which were also investigated in the nutrient‐solution experiment, and N uptake or grain yield of the cultivars in the field could not be established. It is concluded, that the assessment of the capacity of a genotype to maintain a higher photosynthetic capacity of older leaves during N deficiency–induced senescence at the seedling stage is a suitable selection parameter for the N efficiency of tropical maize cultivars.     

Key variable for simulating critical nitrogen dilution curve of wheat: Leaf area ratio-driven approach

Nitrogen (N) dilution curves, a pivotal tool for N nutrition diagnosis, have been developed using different winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissues. However, few studies have attempted to establish critical nitrogen (N_c) dilution curves based on the leaf area ratio (LAR) to improve the monitoring accuracy of N status. In this study, three field experiments using eight N treatments and four wheat varieties were conducted in Jiangsu Province of China from 2013 to 2016. The empirical relationship of LAR with shoot biomass (expressed as dry matter) was developed under different N conditions. The results showed that LAR was a reliable index, which reduced the effects of wheat varieties and years compared with the traditional indicators. The N nutrition index (NNI) based on the LAR approach (NNI-LAR) produced equivalent results to that based on shoot biomass. Moreover, the NNI-LAR better predicted accumulated N deficit and best estimated the relative yield compared with the other two indicator-based NNI models. Therefore, the LAR-based approach improved the prediction accuracy of N_c, accumulated N deficit, and relative yield, and it would be an optimal choice to conveniently diagnose the N status of winter wheat under field conditions.     

施氮时期对超高产夏玉米产量及氮素吸收利用的影响

选用登海661（DH661）和郑单958（ZD958）为试材,研究了超高产条件下施氮时期对夏玉米子粒产量、氮素利用率以及转运特性的影响。结果表明,拔节期一次性施氮较不施氮增产不显著;随着施氮次数的增加产量显著提高,灌浆期施氮可以显著提高粒重,从而提高产量。拔节期、大口期、花后10d按2:4:4施氮,DH661产量可达14188.9 kg/hm2;基肥、拔节期、大口期、花后10d按1:2:5:2施氮,ZD958产量可达14529.6 kg/hm2。生长期内分次施氮及灌浆期施氮可显著提高植株和子粒中氮素积累,延长氮素积累活跃期;同时可以显著提高氮素收获指数、氮肥农学利用率、氮素表观回收率和氮肥偏生产力。DH661和ZD958在2:4:4和3:5:2施肥方式下开花前和开花后氮素吸收比例分别为51:49和60:40。开花前分次施氮可显著提高氮素转运量和转运效率,灌浆期施氮可显著提高花后子粒氮素同化。DH661和ZD958在2:4:4和3:5:2施肥方式下花后氮素同化量分别占子粒吸氮量63.0%和50.5%。本试验条件下,DH661采用拔节期、大口期、花后10d按2:4:4施入,ZD958基肥、拔节期、大口期、花后10d按1:2:5:2施入或拔节期、大口期、花后10d按3:5:2施入可提高氮素利用率,实现高产高效。     

秸秆覆盖与氮肥运筹对杂交稻根系生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】在我国稻-麦、稻-油等多熟制区域,富含氮素的小麦、油菜等水稻前茬作物秸秆被大量弃置、焚烧,造成极大浪费和环境污染,与此同时,稻季氮肥投入量却在逐年增加,因此在水稻生产中研究秸秆覆盖与氮肥配合施用的理论与技术,对实现秸秆还田与减少氮肥用量具有重要意义。本试验研究油菜、小麦2种秸秆覆盖方式下,3种不同的氮肥运筹方式对杂交稻主要生育时期根系生长、氮素吸收利用特征及产量的影响,并探讨其根系生长与氮素利用及产量间的关系,以期寻求最佳的秸秆还田与氮肥运筹搭配模式。【方法】本试验以杂交稻F优498为材料,采用两因素裂区试验设计,主区为小麦秸秆覆盖(S1)、油菜秸秆覆盖(S2)和无秸秆覆盖(S0);副区为氮肥运筹模式,在135 kg/hm2总施氮量条件下,设置基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥为5∶3∶2(N1);基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥为3∶3∶4(N2);基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥为3∶1∶6(N3)3种氮肥运筹模式,以不施氮肥(N0)为对照。研究各处理杂交稻在移栽后20 d、移栽后30 d、齐穗期和成熟期根系生长及形态、各生育期的干物质与氮素积累,水稻茎鞘的干物质转运、产量及其构成因子以及各时期氮素积累及利用效率,同时对各生育时期根系生长与氮素利用及产量间的关系进行分析。【结果】结果表明,小麦秸秆覆盖均可有效促进杂交稻各生育时期的根系生长、改善根系形态、增加各时期的干物质与氮素积累,提高氮肥的利用效率及稻米产量。在不同种类秸秆覆盖下,基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥(倒4叶龄期施入)为3∶3∶4(N2)时,可及时地对杂交水稻主要生育时期的根系生长进行调控,有效促进抽穗至成熟期的干物质积累与转运率,提高水稻主要生育时期的氮素积累及氮肥利用效率,显著增加稻谷产量,为本试验中最优的氮肥管理模式;而氮肥后移比例过高(基肥∶分蘖肥∶穗肥运筹比例为3∶1∶6),会限制齐穗期根系的生长,导致稻谷产量及氮肥利用效率降低。相关性分析表明,秸秆覆盖与氮肥运筹下主要生育时期根干重、根体积、总根长与产量及氮素吸收利用均存在显著或极显著的正相关(r=0.38*0.78**),尤其以齐穗期的根体积与总根长、根干重与氮素累积、产量及氮素回收利用率的相关性最好。【结论】小麦秸秆、油菜秸秆覆盖能够有效促进杂交稻根系的生长,增加干物质与氮素积累,提高氮肥利用效率,且小麦秸秆覆盖效果更显著。秸秆覆盖条件下,氮肥运筹以基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥为3∶3∶4时的水稻根系生长旺盛,物质生产能力强,氮肥利用效率最高。因此,小麦秸秆覆盖与基肥∶蘖肥∶穗肥以3∶3∶4的比例配合的水稻的产量最高,为最优组合。     

Comparison of optical indicators for potato crop nitrogen status assessment including novel approaches based on leaf fluorescence and flavonoid content

Some phenolic compounds are proposed as good indicators of crop nitrogen status (CNS). This research compared the use of leaf flavonoid content (LFC) as a potential indicator for evaluating potato CNS with other recognized indicators linked to leaf chlorophyll content (LCC). Three-year trials were conducted in Belgium on two potato cultivars including increasing nitrogen rates. Optical sensors (Dualex, Multiplex, Hydro N-tester, Cropscan) were used to evaluate LFC and/or LCC. Plant tissue samples were analyzed to calculate the biomass nitrogen concentration and the nitrogen nutrition index. The indicators were evaluated based on four criteria: the sensitivity, the earliness of the diagnosis, the accuracy, and the specificity. Apart from the low specificity to nitrogen, which can be improved by the use of a within-field reference plot, the LFC (combined with LCC or individually) matched the required criteria and could be suggested as a valuable indicator for assessing potato CNS.     

Plant‐available nitrogen in the soil: Relationships between pre‐plant and pre‐sidedress nitrate tests for corn production

Corn (Zea mays L.) producers in the rainfed regions sometimes sidedress fertilizer N according to pre‐plant–nitrate test (PPNT) results based on the assumption that there is a linear relationship between pre‐sidedress nitrate test (PSNT) and the PPNT. There has been no report on such relationship in Ontario (Canada) and elsewhere in the nonirrigated corn‐growing regions. A field study was conducted near Ottawa, Canada for 7 y to (1) determine changes in soil available N from pre‐planting to shortly after the sidedress stage (late June) for corn and (2) establish a quantitative relationship between PPNT and PSNT. In each year, soil samples from fields of three to four plot experiments with different cropping histories, soil textures, and management levels, taken at 7 to 10 d intervals, and from on‐farm trials taken at pre‐planting and pre‐sidedress, were extracted with 2 M KCl. The concentrations of NO ‐N were determined colorimetrically. It was found that soil NO ‐N concentration of PSNT was a linear function of PPNT with an average slope of 1.7. However, the slope of the regression equations differed dramatically among cropping sequences, and to a lesser extent, soil textures. The NO ‐N concentration after planting to pre‐sidedress was influenced by air temperature and precipitation during this period of time. Both PPNT and PSNT positively correlated with corn‐grain yield. Our data suggest that cautions must be taken when deciding the rate of fertilizer N for sidedress application to corn based on PPNT test, especially under more humid northern climate conditions.     

作物品种和化学固定剂对玉米谷物中镉和锌积累的影响

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soil amendments(lime,nano-Si foliar solution and used diatomite) on the growth and metal uptake of three maize(Zea mays L.) cultivars grown in a Cd and Zn-contaminated acidic soil.The addition of lime significantly increased the maize grain yields and decreased the concentrations of Zn and Cd in the grains and shoots of maize when compared with the control.Among the three maize cultivars,Yunshi-5 accumulated the lowest amounts of Cd and Zn in the grain.The concentrations of Zn and Cd in the grain of Yunshi-5 conformed to the Chinese feed standards.These data revealed that a combination of low metal-accumulating maize and chemical fixation could effectively provide a barrier to prevent metals from entering the human food chain.     

On‐farm comparison of variable rates of nitrogen with uniform application to maize on canopy reflectance,soil nitrate,and grain yield

Recent development in canopy optical‐sensing technology provides the opportunity to apply fertilizer variably at the field scale according to spatial variation in plant growth. A field experiment was conducted in Ottawa, Canada, for two consecutive years to determine the effect of fertilizer nitrogen (N) input at variable‐ vs. uniform‐application strategies at the V6–V8 growth stage, on soil mineral N, canopy reflectance, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The variable N rates were calculated using an algorithm derived from readings of average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of about 0.8 m × 4.6 m, and N fertilizer was then applied to individual patches of the same size of NDVI readings (0.8 m × 4.6 m) within a plot (2184 m²). Canopy reflectance, expressed as NDVI, was monitored with a hand‐held spectrometer, twice weekly before tasseling and once a week thereafter until physiological maturity. Soil mineral N (0–30 cm depth) was analyzed at the V6 and VT growth stages. Our data show that both variable and uniform‐application strategies for N side‐dressings based on canopy‐reflectance mapping data required less amount of N fertilizer (with an average rate of 80 kg N ha^–1 as side‐dressing in addition to 30 kg N ha^–1 applied at planting), and produced grain yields similar to and higher nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) than the preplant fully fertilized (180 kg N ha^–1) treatment. No difference was observed in either grain yield or NUE between the variable‐ and uniform‐application strategies. Compared to unfertilized or fully fertilized treatments, the enhancements in grain yield and NUE of the variable‐rate strategy originated from the later N input as side‐dressing rather than the variation in N rates. The variable‐rate strategy resulted in less spatial variations in soil mineral N at the VT growth stage and greater spatial variations in grain yield at harvest than the uniform‐rate strategy. Both variable‐ and uniform‐application strategies reduced spatial variations in soil mineral N at the VT stage and grain yield compared to the unfertilized treatment. The variable‐rate strategy resulted in more sampling points with high soil mineral N than the uniform‐rate strategy at the VT stage.     

Detection of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient status in bermudagrass using spectral radiance

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two of the most limiting nutrients for crop production. Because of this, continued interest focuses on improving N‐and P‐use efficiency. Spectral radiance measurements were evaluated to identify optimum wavelengths for dual detection of N and P status in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.). A factorial arrangement of treatments (0, 112, 224, and 336 kg N ha^‐1 and 0,29, and 58 kg P ha^‐1) was applied to an established bermudagrass pasture for further study using a randomized complete block design. A wide range of spectral radiance measurements (276–831 nm) was obtained from each plot using a PSD 1000 Ocean Optics fiber optic spectrometer. The resulting spectra were partitioned into 10‐nm bands. Added indices were generated to test for correlation of N and P content with spectral radiance. The 435‐nm band (430–440 nm) was found to be independent of N and P treatment, and as a covariate, significantly decreased residual error. Using 435 nm as a covariate, it was found that biomass, N uptake, P uptake, and N concentration could be predicted using 695/405. No index reliably predicted bermudagrass forage P concentration. Spectral radiance has the potential to be used for predicting N and P nutrient status, but further work is needed to document response in different environments.     

Developing nitrogen management strategies under drip fertigation for wheat and maize production in the North China Plain based on a 3‐year field experiment

The intensive winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–summer maize (Zea mays L.) cropping systems in the North China Plain (NCP) rely on the heavy use of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers. As the fertigated area of wheat and maize in the NCP has grown rapidly during recent years, developing N management strategies is required for sustainable wheat and maize production. Field experiments were conducted in Hebei Province during three consecutive growth seasons in 2012–2015 to assess the influence of different N fertigation rates on N uptake, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency [NUE: recovery efficiency (RE_N) and agronomic efficiency (AE_N)]. Five levels of N application, 0 (FN₀), 40 (FN_40%), 70 (FN_70%), 100 (FN_100%), and 130% (FN_130%) of the farmer practice rate (FP: 250 kg N ha^?1 and 205.5 kg N ha^?1 for wheat and maize, respectively), corresponding to 0, 182.2, 318.9, 455.5, and 592.2 kg N ha^?1 y^?1, respectively, were tested. Nitrogen in the form of urea was dissolved in irrigation water and split into six and four applications for wheat and maize, respectively. In addition, the treatment “drip irrigation + 100% N conventional broadcasting” (DN_100%) was also conducted. All treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed the significant influence of both N fertigation rate and N application method on grain yield and NUE. Compared to DN_100%, FN_100% significantly increased the 3‐year averaged N recovery efficiency (RE_N) by 0.09 kg kg^?1 and 0.04 kg kg^?1, and the 3‐year averaged N agronomic efficiency (AE_N) by 2.43 kg kg^?1 and 1.62 kg kg^?1 for wheat and maize, respectively. Among N fertigation rates, there was no significant increase in grain yield in response to N applied at a greater rate than 70% of FP due to excess N accumulation in vegetative tissues. Compared to FN_70%, FN_100%, and FN_130%, FN_40% increased the RE_N by 0.17–0.57 kg kg^?1 and 0.03–0.34 kg kg^?1and the AE_N by 4.60–27.56 kg kg^?1 and 2.40–10.62 kg kg^?1 for wheat and maize, respectively. Based on a linear‐response relationship between the N fertigation rate and grain yield over three rotational periods it can be concluded that recommended N rates under drip fertigation with optimum split applications can be reduced to 46% (114.6 kg N ha^?1) and 58% (116.6 kg N ha^?1) of FP for wheat and maize, respectively, without negatively affecting grain yield, thereby increasing NUE.     

Effect of nitrogen fertilization on nitrogen dynamics in oilseed rape using 15N‐labeling field experiment

In order to optimize nitrogen (N) fertilization and to reduce the environmental impact of oilseed rape without decreasing yield, a clearer understanding of N dynamics inside the plant is crucial. The present investigation therefore aimed to study the effects of different N‐application rates on the dynamics of N uptake, partitioning, and remobilization. The experiment was conducted on winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. Capitol) under three levels of N input (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha^–1) from stem elongation to maturity using ¹⁵N‐labeling technique to distinguish between N uptake and N retranslocation in the plant. Nitrogen fertilization affected the time‐course of N uptake and also the allocation of N taken up from flowering to maturity. Most pod N came from N remobilization, and leaves accounted for the largest source of remobilized N regardless the N‐application rate. However, the contribution of leaves to the remobilized N pool increased with the N dose whereas the one of taproot decreased. Stems were the main sink for remobilized N from stem elongation to flowering. Leaves remained longer on N200 than on N0 and N100 plants, and N concentration in fallen leaves increased with the N treatment and in N100 plants along an axial gradient from the basal to the upper leaves. Overall, these results show that the timing of N supply is more crucial than the N amount to attain a high N efficiency.     

Nutrient‐enriched soils and native N‐fixing plants in New Zealand

Approximately 40% of New Zealand's land mass is fertilized grassland with entirely non‐native plants, but currently there is substantially increased interest in restoration of native plants into contemporary agricultural matrices. Native vegetation is adapted to more acid and less fertile soils and their establishment and growth may be constrained by nutrient spillover from agricultural land. We investigated plant–soil interactions of native N‐fixing and early successional non N‐fixing plants in soils with variable fertility. The effects of soil amendments of urea (100 and 300 kg N ha^?1), lime (6000 kg CaCO₃ ha^?1), and superphosphate (470 kg ha^?1) and combinations of these treatments were evaluated in a glasshouse pot trial. Plant growth, soil pH, soil mineral N, Olsen P and nodule nitrogenase activity in N‐fixing plants were measured. Urea amendments to soil were not inhibitory to the growth of native N‐fixing plants at lower N application rates; two species responded positively to combinations of N, P and lime. Phosphate enrichment enhanced nodulation in N‐fixers, but nitrogen inhibited nodulation, reduced soil pH and provided higher nitrate concentrations in soil. The contribution of mineral N to soil from the 1‐year old N‐fixing plants was small, in amounts extrapolated to be 10–14 kg ha^?1 y^?1. Urea, applied both alone and in conjunction with other amendments, enhanced the growth of the non N‐fixing species, which exploited mineral N more efficiently; without N, application of lime and P had little effect or was detrimental. The results showed native N‐fixing plants can be embedded in agroecology systems without significant risk of further increasing soil fertility or enhancing nitrate leaching.     

不同氮肥管理对吉林春玉米生长发育和养分吸收的影响

针对吉林春玉米氮肥施用中存在氮肥用量偏大,且具盲目性的现状,采用田间试验研究农民习惯施氮量和推荐施氮量下氮肥不同施用方式对春玉米干物质积累、子粒产量、氮素吸收和利用效率的影响。结果表明,推荐施氮量下,苗期和灌浆期春玉米干物质积累量显著高于习惯施肥,有机无机配合提高了春玉米干物质积累速率。施氮处理与不施氮相比均显著增加玉米子粒产量,增产11.2%～16.8%; 推荐施氮量下玉米子粒产量与习惯施氮量相当,但显著提高氮素的偏因子生产力和农学效率。在氮磷钾用量一致的基础上,用30%有机肥氮替代化肥氮与100%化肥氮处理的产量相当,对氮素利用效率也没有影响,并降低收获期土壤无机氮含量。说明合理施用氮肥不但能够维持玉米产量,还可减少氮肥投入,提高氮肥利用效率;有机肥部分替代化肥氮是吉林春玉米氮素管理的有效途径之一。     

N-utilization by maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by crop rotation and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) residue management

Abstract. A five year field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of crop rotation and field pea residue incorporation into the soil on maize yield. The data indicated a 30% increase in maize yield grown in rotation with field pea compared to when it was grown after wheat and a further increase of 35% when field pea residues were incorporated into the soil. The effect of field pea and residue incorporation was greater in the presence of fertilizer nitrogen indicating the enhanced capacity of the crop to utilize N from the residue. Legume residue management in sub-tropical regions of the world, having coarse textured soils low in organic matter, could help to increase the yield of cereals besides saving some of the expensive fertilizer input.     

Labile organic matter fractions as early‐season nitrogen supply indicators in manure‐amended soils

Soil test indicators are needed to predict the contribution of soil organic N to crop N requirements. Labile organic matter (OM) fractions containing C and N are readily metabolized by soil microorganisms, which leads to N mineralization and contributes to the soil N supply to crops. The objective of this study was to identify labile OM fractions that could be indicators of the soil N supply by evaluating the relationship between the soil N supply, the C and N concentrations, and C/N ratios of water extractable OM, hot‐water extractable OM, particulate OM, microbial biomass, and salt extractable OM. Labile OM fractions were measured before planting spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in fertilized soils and the soil N supply was determined from the wheat N uptake and soil mineral N concentration after 6 weeks. Prior to the study, fertilized sandy loam and silty clay soils received three annual applications of 90 kg available N (ha · y)^?1 from mineral fertilizer, liquid dairy cattle manure, liquid swine manure or solid poultry litter, and there was a zero‐N control. Water extractable organic N was the only labile OM fraction to be affected by fertilization in both soil types (P < 0.01). Across both test soils, the soil N supply was significantly correlated with the particulate OM N (r = 0.87, P < 0.001), the particulate OM C (r = 0.83, P < 0.001), and hot‐water extractable organic N (r = 0.81, P < 0.001). We conclude that pre‐planting concentrations of particulate OM and hot‐water extractable organic N could be early season indicators of the soil N supply in fertilized soils of the Saint Lawrence River Lowlands in Quebec, Canada. The suitability of these pre‐planting indicators to predict the soil N supply under field conditions and in fertilized soils from other regions remains to be determined.