The effect of succeeding crop and level of N fertilization on N leaching after break-up of grassland

Depending on soil and management, ploughing up grassland for use as arable land can lead to an increase in the release of mineralized nitrogen and a high risk of nitrogen leaching during winter. The amount of N leaching is also dependent on the N efficiency of following crops and the level of N fertilization.In a field experiment in northwest Germany permanent grassland was ploughed and used as arable land. The experiment was conducted over 2 years at three sites and investigated two main factors: (i) succeeding crops, either spring barley (and catch crop)–maize or silage maize–maize; and (ii) N-fertilization either nil or moderate (120 kg N ha⁻¹ for barley or 160 kg for maize). Plant yields, the soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) content and the nitrate leaching losses over winter were determined. On average for the 2-year period, the SMN in autumn and the nitrate leaching losses during winter for the rotation barley–maize were 76 kg ha⁻¹ SMN and 81 kg N ha⁻¹ N leaching losses, and for maize–maize they amounted to 108 and 113 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. The SMN and N leaching losses for the plots with no N fertilizer were 49 and 52 kg N ha⁻¹ and for the plots fertilized at a moderate N level they were 135 and 142 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively.We conclude that although the extent of nitrate leaching is influenced by the site conditions and management of the grassland prior to ploughing, the management after ploughing is the decisive factor. The farmer can significantly reduce nitrate leaching with his choice of succeeding crop and the amount of N fertilization.     

Pig slurry fertilization in a double-annual cropping forage system under sub-humid Mediterranean conditions

In areas of Southern Europe with very intensive pig production, most of the pig slurry (PS) is applied as fertilizer. However, in the European Union, no more than 170 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ can be applied in nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) from livestock manures. In this context, a six-year trial was conducted for a maize-triticale double-annual forage cropping rotation under rainfed conditions. Four different N rates were applied (0, 170, 250 and 330 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹), to evaluate their effect on crop yield, N uptake, unrecovered N and soil nitrate content. The corresponding PS rates were defined as zero (PS 0), low (PSL) medium (PSM) and high (PSH). The annual average dry matter (DM) yields (maize + triticale) for the PS fertilization treatments PS0, PSL, PSM and PSH were 12.6, 17.7, 20.2 and 22.0 Mg DM ha⁻¹, respectively. Maize DM yield was influenced mainly by weather conditions, and triticale DM yield was clearly influenced by initial soil NO₃⁻-N and PS fertilization rates. Unrecovered N was affected by PS fertilization rate and initial soil NO₃⁻-N content. A residual effect of the PS when applied to maize had an important effect on soil NO₃⁻-N and subsequent triticale DM yield. Moreover, total annual average unrecovered N, considering the sum of both crops (maize + triticale), were 91, 144, and 222 kg N ha⁻¹ in PSL, PSM and PSH, respectively. In order to avoid part of this unrecovered N, mainly by lixiviation of nitrates, PS fertilization in triticale should be applied as side dressing at tillering. The application of N, in the form of PS, at rates higher than the legally permitted maximum of 170 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, may result in better yields. However, high rates of PS fertilization may originate in significantly lower N use efficiency and a higher potential environmental impact in double-cropping systems, practiced in rainfed sub-humid Mediterranean conditions.     

Alternative strategies for nitrogen fertilization of overwinter processing spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) in Southern Italy

To identify the best practice for nitrogen (N) fertilization of overwinter processing spinach, two field experiments were carried out in the Foggia plain (Southern Italy), one of the most vocated area for leafy vegetables production. The field trials were aimed to define and suggest the proper fertilizer dose, typology and the right time of application. Experiment 1 evaluated four N fertilizer doses (0, 150, 225, 300 kg ha⁻¹) in a two-year field trial. Experiment 2 was aimed to assess the effect of the split distribution of prilled urea fertilizer in comparison with the application of nitrification inhibitor (DMPP) containing urea fertilizer, broadcasted at sowing.Spinach yield, yield quality (nitrate – NO₃⁻ – and carotenoids content), N-use efficiency and risk of soil nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) leaching were evaluated. The processing spinach yielded 37.8 and 3.6 t ha⁻¹ of fresh and dry yield, respectively (average of the two experiments). Fresh and dry yield among the fertilizing treatments were similar. Also the β-carotene and the lutein content of spinach leaves (19.5 and 38.1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) were not affected by the N fertilizer dose. Conversely, the N dose strongly influenced the NO₃⁻ content of the leafy vegetable tissues (1286 mg kg⁻¹ on average, 58% lower than the limits imposed by the EC regulation). As expected, the different rainfall pattern influenced both the leaf NO₃⁻ content and the risk of soil NO₃⁻-N leaching. The results achieved demonstrated that, in order to get a favorable trade-off, among yield, yield quality, N-use efficiency and environmental impact, the processing spinach growers of the Foggia plain area should be encouraged to apply 225 kg N ha⁻¹ as maximum fertilization rate. Also, the split urea fertilizer application appeared as the more effective strategy for N fertilization of overwinter spinach in comparison with the use of the nitrification inhibitor containing urea fertilizer, being the last strategy not able to adequately match the N crop demand.     

Yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency of the pseudocereals amaranth,quinoa, and buckwheat under differing nitrogen fertilization

In recent years, the cultivation of the pseudocereal species amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat has gained rising attention. This study was undertaken to explore nitrogen (N) fertility requirements and nitrogen use efficiency of these species. For this purpose, a 2-year field experiment with N rates of 0, 80, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹ for amaranth and quinoa and 0, 30, and 60 kg N ha⁻¹ for buckwheat and two cultivars of each species was conducted.Grain yield of amaranth responded to N and ranged between 1986 and 2767 kg ha⁻¹. Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) ranged from 13.9 to 15.4 kg grain yield per kg above-ground plant N and decreased with increasing N rate. Higher grain yields and NUtEs seemed to be mainly inhibited by the low harvest index (0.22–0.23) of the investigated amaranth cultivars.Quinoa yielded between 1790 and 3495 kg grain ha⁻¹ and responded strongly to N fertilization. NUtE averaged 22.2 kg kg⁻¹ and did not decrease with increasing N rates.The grain yield of buckwheat did not respond to N fertilization and averaged 1425 kg ha⁻¹. N uptake increased only slightly with N fertilization. NUtE ranged from 16.1 to 20.0 kg kg⁻¹. Main problems occurring with the application of N to buckwheat were grain scattering and lodging.     

The effects of dairy cattle manure and mineral N fertilizer on irrigated maize and soil N and organic C

This work was aimed at providing a sustainable approach in the use of manure in irrigated maize crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions. To this end, the effect of continuous annual applications of dairy cattle manure, combined or not with mineral N fertilizer, on the following parameters was studied: grain yield, grain and plant N concentration, N uptake by plant, N use efficiency, and soil N and organic carbon. The experiment was conducted in a furrow-irrigated sandy soil under dry Mediterranean conditions during seven years. Three different rates of cattle manure (CM): 0, 30 and 60 Mg ha⁻¹, were applied each year before sowing. These CM rates were combined with four mineral N rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha⁻¹) applied at sidedress.On average, the highest grain yields during the 7 years were obtained with the combination of CM at 30 Mg ha⁻¹ and mineral fertilizer and with CM at 60 Mg ha⁻¹ without mineral fertilizer. With CM at 30 Mg ha⁻¹, mineral fertilizer increased yields during most of the growing seasons, meanwhile with CM at 60 Mg ha⁻¹, there was not any significant effect of the joint application of mineral fertilizer on yields. Overall, best results were obtained exceeding maximum rates according to present legislation. The mean apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) fraction during the 7 seasons was 29% for N exclusively applied as CM. Overall, increased N rates applied as CM resulted in decreased ANRs. However, ANR with CM at 30 and 60 Mg ha⁻¹ increased during the first two seasons. This increased ANR ascribed to mineralization of residual organic N applied in previous seasons explained the increasing yields observed in the treatments along the study.The application of CM during 7 years increased the soil organic carbon in the first 30 cm by 5.7 and 9.9 Mg ha⁻¹ with CM at 30 and 60 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively, when compared to the initial stock. Thus, manure-based fertilization could be an alternative to mineral fertilizer in order to achieve high maize yields while improving soil quality under dry Mediterranean conditions.     

Effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the production of biogas from maize and sorghum in a water limited environment

The expansion of biogas production from anaerobic digestion in the Po Valley (Northern Italy) has stimulated the cultivation of dedicated biomass crops, and maize in particular. A mid-term experiment was carried out from 2006 to 2010 on a silt loamy soil in Northern Italy to compare water use and energy efficiency of maize and sorghum cultivation under rain fed and well-watered treatments and at two rates of nitrogen fertilization. The present work hypothesis were: (i) biomass sorghum, for its efficient use of water and nitrogen, could be a valuable alternative to maize for biogas production; (ii) reduction of irrigation level and (iii) application of low nitrogen fertilizer rate increase the efficiency of bioenergy production. Water treatments, a rain fed control (I0) and two irrigation levels (I1 and I2; only one in 2006 and 2009), were compared in a split–split plot design with four replicates. Two fertilizer rates were also tested: low (N1, 60 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen; 0 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen in 2010) and high (N2, 120 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen; 100 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen in 2010). Across treatments, sorghum produced more aboveground biomass than maize, respectively 21.6 Mg ha⁻¹ and 16.8 Mg ha⁻¹ (p < 0.01). In both species, biomass yield was lower in I0 than in I1 and I2 (p < 0.01), while I1 and I2 did differ significantly. Nitrogen level never affected biomass yield. Water use efficiency was generally higher in sorghum (52 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹) than in maize (38 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹); the significant interaction between crop and irrigation revealed that water use efficiency did not differ across water levels in sorghum, whereas it significantly increased from I0 and I1 to I2 in maize (p < 0.01). The potential methane production was similar in maize and sorghum, while it was significantly lower in I0 (16505 MJ ha⁻¹) than in I1 and I2 (21700 MJ ha⁻¹). The only significant effect of nitrogen fertilization was found in the calculation of energy efficiency (ratio of energy output and input) that was higher in N1 than in N2 (p < 0.01). These results support the hypothesis that (i) sorghum should be cultivated rather than maize to increase energy efficiency, (ii) irrigation level should replace up to 36% of ETr and (iii) nitrogen fertilizer rate should be minimized to maximize the efficiency in biomass production for anaerobic digestion in the Po Valley.     

Exploring options to combine high yields with high nitrogen use efficiencies in irrigated rice in China

In Jiangsu province, Southeast China, high irrigated rice yields (6–8000 kg ha⁻¹) are supported by high nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs (260–300 kg N ha⁻¹) and low fertilizer N use efficiencies (recoveries of 30–35%). Improvement of fertilizer N use efficiency can increase farmers’ profitability and reduce negative environmental externalities. This paper combines field experimentation with simulation modeling to explore N fertilizer management strategies to realize high yields, while increasing N use efficiency. The rice growth model ORYZA2000 was parameterized and evaluated using data from field experiments carried out in Nanjing, China. ORYZA2000 satisfactorily simulated yield, crop biomass and crop N dynamics, and the model was applied to explore options for different N-fertilizer management regimes, at low and high levels of indigenous soil N supply, using 43 years of historical weather data.On average, yields of around 10–11,000 kg ha⁻¹ were realized (simulated and in field experiments) with fertilizer N rates of around 200 kg ha⁻¹. Higher fertilizer doses did not result in substantially higher yields, except under very favorable weather conditions when yields exceeding 13,000 kg ha⁻¹ were calculated. At fertilizer rates of 150–200 kg ha⁻¹, and at the tested indigenous soil N supplies of 0.6–0.9 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹, high fertilizer N recovery (53–56%), partial N productivity (50–70 kg kg⁻¹) and agronomic N use efficiency (20–30 kg kg⁻¹) were obtained with application in three equal splits at transplanting, panicle initiation and booting. Increasing the number of splits to six did not further increase yield or improve any of the N use efficiency parameters.     

Effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the greenhouse gas emissions of a cropping system on a sandy soil in northeast Germany

Irrigation induces processes that may either decrease or increase greenhouse gas emissions from cropping systems. To estimate the net effect of irrigation on the greenhouse gas emissions, it is necessary to consider changes in the crop yields, the content of soil organic carbon and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as in emissions from the use and production of machinery and auxiliary materials. In this study the net greenhouse gas emissions of a cropping system on a sandy soil in northeast Germany were calculated based on a long-term field experiment coupled with two-year N₂O flux measurements on selected plots. The cropping system comprised a rotation of potato, winter wheat, winter oil seed rape, winter rye and cocksfoot each under three nitrogen (N) fertilization intensities with and without irrigation. Total greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 452 to 3503 kg CO_2-eq ha⁻¹ and 0.09 to 1.81 kg CO_2-eq kg⁻¹ yield. Application of an adequate amount of N fertilizer led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to zero N fertilization whereas excessive N fertilization did not result in a further decrease. Under N fertilization there were no significant differences between irrigation and non-irrigation. Increases in greenhouse gas emissions from the operation, production and maintenance of irrigation equipment were mainly offset by increases in crop yield and soil organic carbon contents. Thus, on a sandy soil under climatic conditions of north-east Germany it is possible to produce higher yields under irrigation without an increase in the yield-related greenhouse gas emissions.     

Effect of tire rubber ash and zinc sulfate on yield and grain zinc and cadmium concentrations of different zinc-deficiency tolerance wheat cultivars under field conditions

The aims of these field experiments were to investigate the effectiveness of soil application of rubber tire ash in comparison with soil and foliar applications of zinc (Zn) sulfate to increase Zn and decrease cadmium (Cd) concentrations in wheat grain. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the 2007–2008 and 2007–2008 growing seasons at Isfahan research field, Iran. Ten different Zn-efficiency bread wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) commonly cultivated in different parts of Iran were subjected to no Zn fertilizer addition (control), soil application of 40 kg ha⁻¹ ZnSO₄, soil application of 100 (for the first year) and 250 (for the second year) kg ha⁻¹ waste rubber tire ash, foliar application of Zn at the mid tillering stage, and foliar application of Zn at the early anthesis stage. In the foliar application, ZnSO₄ was sprayed at a rate of 0.66 kg Zn/ha. Foliar spray of zinc sulfate at early anthesis, in general, had no significant effect on the yield and grain Cd while significantly increased grain Zn concentrations of most cultivars. On average, the foliar Zn treatment at the mid tillering stage (0.66 kg Zn/ha), decreased the mean grain Cd concentration from 0.032 mg kg⁻¹ in the control treatment to 0.024 mg kg⁻¹. While the grain Zn concentrations of some cultivars increased with soil application of Zn sulfate, they were not affected or even decreased in other cultivars. For most studied wheat cultivars, pre-planting application of rubber tire ash in soil resulted in a significant decrease of grain Cd concentrations. The results show that the effectiveness of soil and foliar application of Zn on yield and grain Zn and Cd concentrations greatly depends on the cultivar. The currently recommended rates of soil applications of Zn to ameliorate Zn deficiency are sufficient to increase grain Zn and decrease grain Cd concentrations in some wheat cultivars, while they do not in the others. In this study, soil application of 250 kg rubber tire ash/ha and foliar spray of 0.66 kg Zn/ha at tillering stage were the most effective treatments to ameliorate Zn deficiency and to increase Zn and decrease Cd concentration in grains of most wheat cultivars.     

Tillage,cover crops,and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil nitrogen and cotton and sorghum yields

Sustainable soil and crop management practices that reduce soil erosion and nitrogen (N) leaching, conserve soil organic matter, and optimize cotton and sorghum yields still remain a challenge. We examined the influence of three tillage practices (no-till, strip till and chisel till), four cover crops {legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secaele cereale L.)], vetch/rye biculture and winter weeds or no cover crop}, and three N fertilization rates (0, 60–65 and 120–130 kg N ha⁻¹) on soil inorganic N content at the 0–30 cm depth and yields and N uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. A field experiment was conducted on Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Plinthic Paleudults) from 1999 to 2002 in Georgia, USA. Nitrogen supplied by cover crops was greater with vetch and vetch/rye biculture than with rye and weeds. Soil inorganic N at the 0–10 and 10–30 cm depths increased with increasing N rate and were greater with vetch than with rye and weeds in April 2000 and 2002. Inorganic N at 0–10 cm was also greater with vetch than with rye in no-till, greater with vetch/rye than with rye and weeds in strip till, and greater with vetch than with rye and weeds in chisel till. In 2000, cotton lint yield and N uptake were greater in no-till with rye or 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in other treatments, but biomass (stems + leaves) yield and N uptake were greater with vetch and vetch/rye than with rye or weeds, and greater with 60 and 120 than with 0 kg N ha⁻¹. In 2001, sorghum grain yield, biomass yield, and N uptake were greater in strip till and chisel till than in no-till, and greater in vetch and vetch/rye with or without N than in rye and weeds with 0 or 65 kg N ha⁻¹. In 2002, cotton lint yield and N uptake were greater in chisel till, rye and weeds with 0 or 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in other treatments, but biomass N uptake was greater in vetch/rye with 60 kg N ha⁻¹ than in rye and weeds with 0 or 60 kg N ha⁻¹. Increased N supplied by hairy vetch or 120–130 kg N ha⁻¹ increased soil N availability, sorghum grain yield, cotton and sorghum biomass yields, and N uptake but decreased cotton lint yield and lint N uptake compared with rye, weeds or 0 kg N ha⁻¹. Cotton and sorghum yields and N uptake can be optimized and potentials for soil erosion and N leaching can be reduced by using conservation tillage, such as no-till or strip till, with vetch/rye biculture cover crop and 60–65 kg N ha⁻¹. The results can be applied in regions where cover crops can be grown in the winter to reduce soil erosion and N leaching and where tillage intensity and N fertilization rates can be minimized to reduce the costs of energy requirement for tillage and N fertilization while optimizing crop production.     

Optimising crop production and nitrate leaching in China: Measured and simulated effects of straw incorporation and nitrogen fertilisation

The sustainability of growing a maize—winter wheat double crop rotation in the North China Plain (NCP) has been questioned due to its high nitrogen (N) fertiliser use and low N use efficiency. This paper presents field data and evaluation and application of the soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer model Daisy for estimating crop production and nitrate leaching from silty loam fields in the NCP. The main objectives were to: i) calibrate and validate Daisy for the NCP pedo-climate and field management conditions, and ii) use the calibrated model and the field data in a multi-response analyses to optimise the N fertiliser rate for maize and winter wheat under different field managements including straw incorporation.The model sensitivity analysis indicated that a few measurable crop parameters impact the simulated yield, while most of the studied topsoil parameters affect the simulated nitrate leaching. The model evaluation was overall satisfactory, with root mean squared residuals (RMSR) for simulated aboveground biomass and nitrogen content at harvest, monthly evapotranspiration, annual drainage and nitrate leaching out of the root zone of, respectively, 0.9 Mg ha⁻¹, 20 kg N ha⁻¹, 30 mm, 10 mm and 10 kg N ha⁻¹ for the calibration, and 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹, 26 kg N ha⁻¹, 38 mm, 14 mm and 17 kg N ha⁻¹ for the validation. The values of mean absolute deviation, model efficiency and determination coefficient were also overall satisfactory, except for soil water dynamics, where the model was often found erratic. Re-validation run showed that the calibrated Daisy model was able to simulate long-term dynamics of crop grain yield and topsoil carbon content in a silty loam field in the NCP well, with respective RMSR of 1.7 and 1.6 Mg ha⁻¹. The analyses of the model and the field results showed that quadratic, Mitscherlich and linear-plateau statistical models may estimate different economic optimal N rates, underlining the importance of model choice for response analyses to avoid excess use of N fertiliser. The analyses further showed that an annual fertiliser rate of about 300 kg N ha⁻¹ (100 for maize and 200 for wheat) for the double crop rotation with straw incorporation is the most optimal in balancing crop production and nitrate leaching under the studied conditions, given the soil replenishment with N from straw mineralisation, atmospheric deposition and residual fertiliser.This work provides a sound reference for determining N fertiliser rates that are agro-environmentally optimal for similar and other cropping systems and regions in China and extends the application of the Daisy model to the analyses of complex agro-ecosystems and management practices under semi-arid climate.     

Effect of biogas digestate,animal manure and mineral fertilizer application on nitrogen flows in biogas feedstock production

The expansion of biogas feedstock cultivation may affect a number of ecosystem processes and ecosystem services, and temporal and spatial dimensions of its environmental impact are subject to a critical debate. However, there are hardly any comprehensive studies available on the impact of biogas feedstock production on the different components of nitrogen (N) balance. The objectives of the current study were (i) to investigate the short-term effects of crop substrate cultivation on the N flows in terms of a N balance and its components (N fertilization, N deposition, N leaching, NH₃ emission, N₂O emission, N recovery in harvested product) for different cropping systems, N fertilizer types and a wide range of N rate, and (ii) to quantify the N footprint of feedstock production in terms of potential N loss per unit of methane produced. In 2007/08 and 2008/09, two field experiments were conducted at two sites in Northern Germany differing in soil quality, where continuous maize (R1), maize–whole crop wheat followed by Italian ryegrass as a double crop (R2), and maize–grain wheat followed by mustard as a catch crop (R3) were grown on Site 1 (sandy loam), and R1 and a perennial ryegrass ley (R4) at Site 2 (sandy soil rich in organic matter). Crops were supplied with varying amounts of N (0–360 kg N ha⁻¹, ryegrass: 0–480 kg N ha⁻¹) supplied as biogas digestate, cattle slurry, pig slurry or calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN).Mineral-N fertilization of maize-based rotations resulted in negative N balances at N input for maximum yield (Nopt), with R2 having slightly less negative balances than R1 and R3. In contrast, N balances were close to zero for cattle slurry or digestate treatments. Thus, trade-offs between substrate feedstock production and changes of soil organic matter stocks have to be taken into consideration when evaluating biogas production systems. Nitrogen losses were generally dominated by N leaching, whereas for the organically fertilized perennial ryegrass ley the ammonia emission accounted for the largest proportion. Nitrogen balance of the ryegrass ley at Nopt was close to zero (CAN) or highly positive (cattle slurry, digestate). Nitrogen footprint (NFP) was applied as an eco-efficiency measure of N-loss potential (difference of N input and N recovery) related to the unit methane produced. NFP ranged between −11 and +6 kg N per 1000 m³ methane at Nopt for maize-based rotations, without a significant impact of cropping system or N fertilizer type. However, for perennial ryegrass ley, NFP increased up to 65 kg N per 1000 m³. The loose relation between NFP and observed N losses suggests only limited suitability for NFP.     

Wheat yield response to spatially variable nitrogen fertilizer in Mediterranean environment

Farmers obtain high yield when proper crop management is matched with favourable weather. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is an important agronomic management practice because it affects profitability and the environment. In rainfed environments, farmers generally apply uniform rates of N without taking into account the spatial variability of soil available water or nutrient availability. Uniform application of fertilizer can lead to over or under-fertilization, decreasing the efficiency of the fertilizer use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of variable rate nitrogen fertilizer application on spatial and temporal patterns of wheat grain yield. The study was conducted during the 2008/2009 and 2009/10 growing seasons in a 12 ha field near Foggia, Italy. The crop planted each year was durum wheat (Triticum durum, Desf.) cultivar Duilio. The field was subdivided into two management zones High (H), and Average (A). Three N rates were identified using a crop model tested on the same field during a previous growing season. The N rates were: low N (T1: 30 kg N ha⁻¹), average N (T2: 70 kg N ha⁻¹), and high N (T3: 90 kg N ha⁻¹). The ANOVA test showed that there were no effects of the N levels for the first growing season for the H and A zone. For the 2009/10 growing season with higher rainfall there was a significant difference in grain yield for the A zone (2955 kg ha⁻¹), but not in the H zone (3970 kg ha⁻¹). This study demonstrates the optimal amount of N for a given management zone is not fixed but varies with the rainfall amount and distribution during the fallow and growing season.     

Innovative cropping systems to reduce N inputs and maintain wheat yields by inserting grain legumes and cover crops in southwestern France

The reduction in crop diversity and specialization of cereal-based cropping systems have led to high dependence on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer in many areas of the globe. This has exacerbated environmental degradation due to the uncoupling of carbon (C) and N cycles in agroecosystems. In this experiment, we assessed impacts of introducing grain legumes and cover crops to innovative cropping systems to reduce N fertilizer application while maintaining wheat yields and grain quality. Six cropping systems resulting from the combination of three 3-year rotations with 0, 1 and 2 grain legumes (GL0, GL1 and GL2, respectively) with (CC) or without (BF, bare fallow) cover crops were compared during six cropping seasons. Durum wheat was included as a common high-value cash crop in all the cropping systems to evaluate the carryover effects of rotation. For each cropping system, the water use efficiency for producing C in aerial biomass and yield were quantified at the crop and rotation scales. Several diagnostic indicators were analyzed for durum wheat, such as (i) grain yield and 1000-grain weight; (ii) aboveground biomass, grain N content and grain protein concentration; (iii) water- and N-use efficiencies for yield; and (iv) N harvest index. Compared to the GL0-BF cropping system, which is most similar to that traditionally used in southwestern France, N fertilizer application decreased by 58%, 49%, 61% and 56% for the GL1-BF, GL1-CC, GL2-BF and GL2-CC cropping systems, respectively. However, the cropping systems without grain legumes (GL0-BF and GL0-CC) had the highest water use efficiency for producing C in aerial biomass and yield. The insertion of cover crops in the cropping systems did not change wheat grain yield, N uptake, or grain protein concentration compared to those of without cover crops, demonstrating a satisfactory adaptation of the entire cropping system to the use of cover crops. Winter pea as a preceding crop for durum wheat increased wheat grain production by 8% (383 kg ha⁻¹) compared to that with sunflower − the traditional preceding crop − with a mean reduction in fertilizer application of 40–49 kg N ha⁻¹ during the six-year experiment. No differences in protein concentration of wheat grain were observed among preceding crops. Our experiment demonstrates that under temperate submediterranean conditions, properly designed cropping systems that simultaneously insert grain legumes and cover crops reduce N requirements and show similar wheat yield and grain quality attributes as those that are cereal-based.     

Performance and application of the APSIM Nwheat model in the Netherlands

APSIM Nwheat is a crop system simulation model, consisting of modules that incorporate aspects of soil water, nitrogen (N), crop residues, and crop growth and development. The model was applied to simulate above- and below-ground growth, grain yield, water and N uptake, and soil water and soil N of wheat crops in the Netherlands. Model outputs were compared with detailed measurements of field experiments from three locations with two different soil types. The experiments covered two seasons and a range of N-fertiliser applications. The overall APSIM Nwheat model simulations of soil mineral N, N uptake, shoot growth, phenology, kernels m⁻², specific grain weight and grain N were acceptable. Grain yields (dry weight) and grain protein concentrations were well simulated with a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 0.8 t ha⁻¹ and 1.6 protein%, respectively. Additionally, the model simulations were compared with grain yields from a long-term winter wheat experiment with different N applications, two additional N experiments and regional grain yield records. The model reproduced the general effects of N treatments on yields. Simulations showed a good consistency with the higher yields of the long-term experiment, but overpredicted the lower yields. Simulations and earlier regional yields differed, but they showed uniformity for the last decade.In a simulation experiment, the APSIM Nwheat model was used with historical weather data to study the relationship between rate and timing of N fertiliser and grain yield, grain protein and soil residual N. A median grain yield of 4.5 t ha⁻¹ was achieved without applying fertiliser, utilising mineral soil N from previous seasons, from mineralisation and N deposition. Application of N fertiliser in February to increase soil mineral N to 140 kg N ha⁻¹ improved the median yield to 7.8 t ha⁻¹ but had little effect on grain protein concentration with a range of 8–10%. Nitrogen applications at tillering and the beginning of stem elongation further increased grain yield and in particular grain protein, but did not affect soil residual N, except in a year with low rainfall during stem elongation. A late N application at flag leaf stage increased grain protein content by several per cent. This increase had only a small effect on grain yield and did not increase soil residual N with up to 40 kg N ha⁻¹ applied, except when N uptake was limited by low rainfall in the period after the flag leaf stage. The economic and environmental optima in winter wheat were identified with up to 140 kg N ha⁻¹ in February, 90 kg N ha⁻¹ between tillering and beginning of stem elongation and 40 kg N ha⁻¹ at flag leaf stage resulting in a median of 8.5 t ha⁻¹ grain yield, 14.0% grain protein and 13 kg N ha⁻¹ soil residual N after the harvest. The maximum simulated yield with maximum N input from two locations in the Netherlands was 9.9 t ha⁻¹.     

Fertilizers,hybrids, and the sustainable intensification of maize systems in the rainfed mid-hills of Nepal

In the rainfed mid-hill region of Nepal, most fields receive 2–3 t ha⁻¹ of organic compost application every year. Despite efficient recovery and use of organics in the mixed crop-animal systems that predominant in the mid-hills, depleted soil fertility is widely understood to be a significant constraint to crop productivity, with most farmers achieving maize grain yields below 2 t ha⁻¹. Increased use of fertilizer may arrest and even reverse long-term soil quality degradation, but few farmers in the mid-hills use them at present and existing recommendations are insufficiently responsive to site, varietal, and management factors that influence the productivity and profitability of increased fertilizer use. Moreover, policy makers and development practitioners often hold the perception that returns to fertilizer use in the mid-hills are too low to merit investment. In this study, on-farm experiments were conducted at 16 sites in the Palpa district, Nepal to assess the responsiveness of a maize hybrid (DKC 9081) and an ‘improved’ open-pollinated maize variety (‘OPV’, Manakamana-3) to four nitrogen (N) rates, i.e., 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha⁻¹, with each N rate response evaluated at 30:30 and 60:60 kg ha⁻¹ rates of phosphorus (P₂O₅) and potassium (K₂O), respectively. With sound agronomy and high rates of fertilizer (180:60:60 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹), grain yields observed in the field experiments exceeded 8 t ha⁻¹ with hybrids and 6 t ha⁻¹ with OPV. Yield levels were lower for OPV than hybrid at every level of applied N, but both genotypes responded linearly to N with partial factor productivity for N (PFP_N) ranging from 14 to 19 for OPV versus 26–30 for hybrid, with improved N efficiencies obtained when P and K rates were significantly higher. Averaged across phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels, a $ 1 incremental investment in fertilizer increased the gross margin (GM) by $ 1.70 ha⁻¹ in OPV and by $ 1.83 ha⁻¹ in the hybrid. For the full response of N, requires higher rate of P₂O₅:K₂O and vice-versa and full response to P₂O₅:K₂O does not occur if N is absent. These results suggest that, i) degraded soils in the mid-hills of Nepal respond favorably to macronutrient fertilizers – even at high rates, ii) balanced fertilization is necessary to optimize returns on investments in N but must be weighed against additional costs, iii) OPVs benefit from investments in fertilizer, albeit at a PFP_N that is 36–47% lower than for hybrids, and, consequently iv) hybrids are an effective mechanism for achieving a higher return on fertilizer investments, even when modest rates are applied. To extend these findings across years and sites in the mid-hills, crop growth simulations using the CERES-maize model (DSSAT) were conducted for 11 districts with historical weather and representative soils data. Average simulated (hybrid) maize yields with high fertilizer rate (180:60:60 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹) ranged from 3.9 t ha⁻¹ to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ across districts, indicating a high disparity in attainable yield potential. By using these values to estimate district-specific attainable yield targets, recommended N fertilizer rates vary between 65 and 208 kg N ha⁻¹, highlighting the importance of developing domain-specific recommendations. Simulations also suggest the potential utility of using weather forecasts in tandem with site and planting date information to adjust fertilizer recommendations on a seasonal basis.     

Energy balance of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cropping as related to nitrogen supply and preceding crop

Data from a field experiment (1995–2000) conducted on a fertile sandy loess in the Hercynian dry region of central Germany were used to determine the energy efficiency of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) as affected by previous crop and nitrogen (N) fertilization. Depending on the previous crop, winter oilseed rate was cultivated in two different crop rotations: (1) winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)–winter oilseed rape–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and (2) pea (Pisum sativum L.)–winter oilseed rape–winter wheat. Fertilizer was applied to winter oilseed rape as either calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or cattle manure slurry. The N rates applied to winter oilseed rape corresponded to 0, 80, 160 and 240 kg N ha⁻¹ a⁻¹.Results revealed that different N management strategies influenced the energy balance of winter oilseed rape. Averaged across years, the input of energy to winter oilseed rape was highly variable ranging from 7.42 to 16.1 GJ ha⁻¹. Lowest energy input occurred when unfertilized winter oilseed rape followed winter barley, while the highest value was obtained when winter oilseed rape received 240 kg N ha⁻¹ organic fertilization and followed winter barley. The lowest energy output (174 GJ ha⁻¹), energy from seed and straw of winter oilseed rape, was observed when winter oilseed rape receiving 80 kg N ha⁻¹ as organic fertilizer followed winter barley. The energy output increased to 262 GJ ha⁻¹ for winter oilseed rape receiving 240 kg N ha⁻¹ as mineral fertilizer followed pea. The energy efficiency was determined using the parameters energy gain (net energy output), energy intensity (energy input per unit grain equivalent GE; term GE is used to express the contribution that crops make to the nutrition of monogastric beings), and output/input ratio. The most favourable N rate for maximizing energy gain (250 GJ ha⁻¹) was 240 kg N ha⁻¹, while that needed for minimum energy intensity (91.3 MJ GE⁻¹) was 80 kg N ha⁻¹ and for maximum output/input ratio (29.8) was 0 kg N ha⁻¹.     

Effects of planting soybean in summer fallow on wheat grain yield,total N and Zn in grain and available N and Zn in soil on the Loess Plateau of China

Dryland wheat is the major contributor to wheat production in the world, where water deficiency and poor soil fertility are key factors limiting wheat grain yields and nutrient concentrations. A field experiment was carried out from June 2008 to June 2011 at Shilipu (latitude 35.12°N, longitude 107.45°E and altitude 1200 m above sea level) on the Loess Plateau (a typical dryland) in China, to investigate the effects of rotation with soybean (Glycine max) green manure (GM) on grain yield, total N and total Zn concentrations in subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and on nitrate-N and available Zn in the soil. The benefits of crop rotation with soybean GM on wheat grain yields became more evident with time. In the second and third years, the grain yields of wheat rotated with soybean GM reached 4871 and 5089 kg ha⁻¹ at the 108 kg N ha⁻¹ rate. These yields were 21% and 12% higher than the highest yields of wheat under a fallow-winter wheat (FW) rotation. Rotation with soybean GM reduced the amount of N fertilizer required to obtain wheat grain yields and biomass levels similar to wheat grown in the FW rotation by 20–33%. In the first 2 years, average grain N concentrations over all N rates increased by 6% and 12%, and those of Zn increased by 26% and 14% under the soybean GM-winter wheat (SW) rotation, compared with the FW rotation. The increased grain N and Zn concentrations were found to be related to the increased concentrations of nitrate-N and available Zn in the soil, particularly at the sowing of winter wheat. However, grain N and Zn concentrations were not improved by rotation with soybean GM in the third year. This was attributed to the dilution effect caused by the more grain yield increase than its nutrient export. In conclusion, planting soybean for GM in fallow fields reduced the need for N fertilizer to enhance wheat yields in this dryland region. Change in wheat grain N and Zn concentrations was related to soil nutrient concentrations, and to the balance between increased grain yield and its nutrient export.     

Effects of plant density on grain yield,protein size distribution,and breadmaking quality of winter wheat grown under two nitrogen fertilisation rates

Nitrogen (N) and plant density are two crucial factors that affect winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality, but little is known regarding the effects of interactions between these two factors on the amount and size distribution of protein fractions and quality traits. We grew the bread wheat cultivar Jinan17 in two successive seasons (2012–2013 and 2013–2014) at three densities of 120 plants m⁻² (low), 180 plants m⁻² [the usual rate for a multiple-spike cultivar with high tillering ability in the North China Plain (NCP)], and 240 plants m⁻² (high) and two levels of N fertilisation of 0 (low N availability treatment without N fertilisation) and 240 kg ha⁻¹ (the usual N rate for winter wheat production in the NCP) to evaluate the effect of N level × plant density interaction on grain yield, grain protein concentration, the amount and composition of protein fractions, dough development time, dough stability time, and loaf volume. The effect of plant density on Jinan 17 grain yield and quality differed between the two N levels. As plant density increased, all the parameters listed above decreased under 0 kg ha⁻¹ N fertilisation, but increased under 240 kg ha⁻¹ N fertilisation. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality of Jinan 17 were affected by plant density under both N levels, primarily through changes in the polymerisation degree of glutenins in the flour.     

Use of biofertilizers obtained from sewage sludges on maize yield

Maize production plays an essential role in global food security. In order to maintain both high quality and maize production, there is a great demand for fertilizers. The main objective of this work was to study, over two experimental seasons, the effect of a biofertilizer obtained from sewage sludge (SS) on the yield and on the quality of maize crops (Zea mays L.). The biofertilizer was applied in two ways: (i) to soil, at rates of 0, 10 and 20 Mg ha⁻¹ before sowing, and (ii) via foliar fertilization, applying 0, 3.6 and 7.2 l ha⁻¹ three times during each growing season accounting for a total rate of 0, 10.8 l ha⁻¹ and 21.6 l ha⁻¹. This study is novel because there are no previous studies of the effect of this biofertilizer on any agricultural crops. The results obtained show that, when the SS was applied directly to the soil, the macro- and micronutrients analyzed in both soil and leaves showed no significant differences between either of the fertilizer treatments. Foliar application of SS, however, increased the leaf concentrations of macro- and micronutrients. When the SS rate was 7.2 l ha⁻¹, grain protein concentration increased significantly by about 30% and the yield increased significantly by about 17% compared with the control treatment (SS not applied). These results suggested that, in order to improve agricultural maize yields, quality and nutritional, this SS should be applied as a foliar fertilizer instead of applying it to soil.