Agronomic Assessment of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Spring Wheat and Interrelations with Leaf Greenness Under Field Conditions

Four spring wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown without (N0 = 0 kg N ha^?1) and under ample (N1 = 250 kg ha^?1) nitrogen (N) fertilizer in field experiments in two seasons. The aim was to assess genotypic variation in N use efficiency (NUE) components and N-related indices during grain filling thus to identify superior wheat genotypes. Leaf chlorophyll (SPAD) readings at crucial growth stages were employed to help differentiate genotypes. Interrelations between yield and N-related indices with SPAD, where also assessed to explain possible pathways of improving NUE early in the growing season. Results showed that genotypic effects on NUE were mostly evident in 2000, a year with drier preanthesis and wetter postanthesis than the normal periods. ‘Toronit’ almost always had the highest biomass yield (BY) and grain yield (GY). Except in 1999 under N0, ‘L94491? showed the highest % grain N concentration (GNC). Genotypes affected SPAD at almost all stages and N fertilization delayed leaf senescence for all genotypes and growth seasons. Correlations between SPAD at different growth stages and GY, N biomass yield at maturity (NBYM) and GNC were significant (P≤ 0.001), positive and strong/very strong (>r = 0.7). N translocation efficiency (NTE) was inversely related to PANU (~r = ? 0.77, P≤ 0.001), suggesting that N after anthesis is being preferentially transported to the ears to meet the N demand of the growing grains. It is concluded that there is still a large potential for increased NUE by improved N recirculation, use of fast and inexpensive crop N monitoring tools and high yielding, N uptake efficient genotypes.

Abbreviations: NUE, Nitrogen use efficiency; SPAD, Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, NHI, nitrogen harvest index; HI, Harvest index; NTE, N translocation efficiency from vegetative plant parts to grain; DMTE, dry matter translocation efficiency; CPAY, contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to yield; PANU, Post-anthesis N uptake, d.a.s., days after sowing, N0, zero (0) kg ha^?1 applied N fertilizer, N1, 250 kg ha^?1 applied N fertilizer.     

氮硫互作对冬小麦旗叶衰老、产量和氮素利用效率的影响

试验采用裂裂区设计,小麦品种(烟农19和汶农6号)为主区,施氮(N)量为裂区,设0(N0)、120(N120)、240(N240)kg hm-2三个施N水平,施硫(S)量为裂裂区,设0(S0)、20(S20)、40(S40)、60(S60)kg hm-2四个施S水平。结果表明,汶农6号开花后旗叶超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、旗叶净光合速率、产量和氮素利用效率均高于烟农19。在一定施氮水平下适量施硫显著提高烟农19和汶农6号小麦开花后旗叶SOD活性和可溶性蛋白质含量,提高旗叶净光合速率和开花后干物质积累量,增加植株地上部氮素积累量和籽粒产量;当施氮水平为120 kg hm-2施硫量超过40 kg hm-2和施氮240 kg hm-2施硫量超过20 kg hm-2时,汶农6号植株地上部氮素积累量仍继续增加,但旗叶抗氧化能力和光合同化能力均无明显提高,籽粒产量不再增加,烟农19号旗叶SOD活性、可溶性蛋白质含量和光合速率均降低,植株地上部氮素积累量和籽粒产量均减少。在同一施氮水平下,两小麦品种氮素利用效率总体表现为随施硫量增加而降低的趋势。在土壤有效硫为38.9~42.1 mg kg-1的条件下,适量施用氮肥和硫肥有利于延缓小麦花后旗叶衰老,提高光合同化能力,增加籽粒产量,但不同品种小麦对氮肥和硫肥施用量的响应不同,氮素利用效率较高的品种在较高的氮硫供给水平下仍有较好的光合同化和产量表现,而氮素利用效率相对低的品种对高氮高硫的适应性较差,后期易早衰,影响产量和氮素利用效率。     

Nitrogen Leaching Of Spring Wheat Genotypes (Triticum Aestivum L.) Varying In Nitrogen-Related Traits

Efficient use of nitrogen (N) by wheat crop and hence prevention of possible contamination of ground and surface waters by nitrates has aroused environmental concerns. The present study was conducted in drainage lysimeters for three years (1998–2000) to identify whether spring wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) that differ in N-related traits differ in N leaching and to relate parameters of N use efficiency (NUE) with parameters of N leaching. For this reason two spring wheat cultivars (‘Albis’ and ‘Toronit’) and an experimental line (‘L94491’) were grown under low (20 kg N ha^?1) and ample N supply (270 kg N ha^?1). The genotypes varied in parameters of NUE but not in N leaching. Grain yield of the high-protein line (‘L94491’) was, on average, 11% lower than that of ‘Toronit’ but among genotypes had significantly higher N in the grain (%), grain N yield, and N harvest index. Nitrogen lost through leaching was considerably low (0.42–0.52 g m^?2) mainly due to low volume of percolating water or the ability of the genotypes to efficiently exploit soil mineral N. There were no clear relationships between N-related genotype traits and N leaching, but across all treatments significantly negative correlations between volume of leachate and the amount of N in the total biomass and grain N yield existed.     

Nitrogen Application in Irrigated Rice Grown in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Grain Yield,Dry Matter Production,Nitrogen Uptake,and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted in the major rice growing area of Chile to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and site on grain yield and some yield components, dry matter production, N uptake, and N use efficiency in rice cultivar ‘Diamante’. Two sites (indicated as sites 1 and 2) and six N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 kg N ha^?1) were compared. Nitrogen fertilization increased yield, panicle density, spikelet sterility, dry matter production, and N uptake at maturity. 90% of maximum yield was obtained with 200 kg N ha^?1 in site 1 (12,810 kg ha^?1) and with 100 kg N ha^?1 in site 2 (8,000 kg ha^?1). These differences were explained by lower panicle density, and the resulting lower dry matter production and N uptake in site 2. Nitrogen use efficiency for biomass and grain production, and grain yield per unit of grain N decreased with N fertilization. While, agronomic N use efficiency and N harvest index were not affected. All N use efficiency indices were significantly higher in site 1, except grain yield per unit of grain N. The observed variation in N use efficiency indices between sites would reflect site-specific differences in temperature and solar radiation, which in turn, determined yield potentials of each site. On the basis of these results, cultivar ‘Diamante’ would correspond to a high-N use efficiency genotype for grain yield.     

Nitrogen Rate Influence on Pearl Millet Yield,Nitrogen Uptake,and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Nebraska

Abstract

Pearl millet is a potential dryland crop for Nebraska. Experiments were conducted in eastern Nebraska in 2000, 2001, and 2002, and in western Nebraska in 2000 and 2001. The objectives were to determine optimum nitrogen (N) rate, N uptake, and N use efficiency (NUE) for pearl millet. The hybrids “68×086R” and “293A×086R” and N rates of 0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha^?1 were used. Hybrids had similar yield, N uptake and NUE responses. In western Nebraska in 2000, pearl millet yield response to N rate was linear, but the yield increase was only 354 kg ha^?1 to application of 135 kg N ha^?1. In eastern Nebraska, pearl millet response to N rate was quadratic with maximum grain yields of 4040 in 2001 and 4890 kg ha^?1 in 2002 attained with 90 kg N ha^?1. The optimum N rate for pearl millet was 90 kg N ha^?1 for eastern Nebraska. For western Nebraska, drought may often limit pearl millet's response to N fertilizer.     

Timing and Method of 15Nitrogen-Labeled Fertilizer Application on Grain Protein and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat

ABSTRACT

Grain protein content is one of the most important quality constraints for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in eastern Canada. A field experiment was conducted for two years (1999 and 2000) on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada, to study whether split application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer improved grain protein content and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). Two cultivars (‘Celtic,’ as N-responsive and ‘Grandin’, as N-non-responsive) were grown using three different N doses and application methods: (1) 100 kg N ha^?1 as NH₄NO₃, soil-applied at seeding with ¹⁵N₂-labeled NH₄NO₃ to microplots, (2) 60 kg N ha^?1 soil-applied at seeding plus 40 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots, and (3) 90 kg N ha^?1 as soil-applied at seeding plus 10 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots. Plants were sampled at heading and maturity. While dry-matter production and grain yields were not affected by the treatments in either year, N application methods influenced tissue N concentration and NUE. In 1999, extended drought stress led to significant yield reduction; in 2000, foliar application of 10 kg N ha^?1 at the boot stage significantly increased grain N concentration when grain protein was under the limit for bread quality, suggesting that later-applied N can contribute to grain protein content. At maturity, the average NUE was 22.3% in 1999 and 34.5% in 2000, but was always greater when all N was applied at seeding (42.5%) than when N was foliar-applied at the boot stage (18.5% to 24.5%). We conclude that application of a small amount of fertilizer N at the boot stage can improve the bread-making quality of spring wheat by increasing grain protein concentration.     

Long-Term Effects of Nitrogen Management Practices on Grain Yield,Nitrogen Uptake,and Efficiency in Irrigated Corn

ABSTRACT

Crop management strategies that improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) increase profits while reducing the detrimental effects on the environment associated with fertilizer nitrogen (N) loss. Effective N management should include several critical factors that are very interrelated. A study was conducted at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Goodwell, OK to evaluate the effects of multiple nitrogen management practices including N rate, source, time of application, methods of fertilizer and residue incorporation over a long period of time on grain yield, N uptake and NUE in irrigated corn. Fourteen treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results of data analyzed on the individual year and averages of all years showed that grain yield and N uptake were improved with N rates and N management practices compared to checks. Both N recovery and efficiency of use were high for the 118 kg N ha^{? 1} rate.     

Wheat Yield Differences between Two Cropping Systems in Permanent Raised-Beds as Affected by Components of Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Permanent raised-bed is an alternative planting system for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rain-fed areas. However, this system in monoculture conditions produces lower yields compared with wheat in rotation. Our objective was to estimate these yield differences as affected by nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE). Wheat in monoculture and in rotation with maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated for eight years (2002–2009) with four N rates (0, 40, 80 or 120 kg ha^?1). Yield response to N in monoculture was consistently lower than for wheat in rotation. Yield reduction in monoculture at low and high N rate was 81 and 99% attributed to NUE out of which 70 and 82% was due to the uptake efficiency (UPE) and 30 and 19% to the utilization efficiency (UTE), respectively. Total N uptake proved to be the parameter that needs to be improved to enhance wheat yield in monoculture.

Abbreviations: NUE: nitrogen use efficiency; UPE: uptake efficiency; UTE: utilization efficiency; Ns: nitrogen supply; NDVI: normalized difference vegetation index     

INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR ON YIELD AND SEED QUALITY OF THREE CANOLA CULTIVARS

In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers on yield and seed quality of three canola cultivars, a factorial based on randomized complete block experiment was conducted during 2005–2006 in Iran. Treatments included four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha^?1 source of urea), four sulfur rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg S ha^?1), and three cultivars (‘Pf’, ‘Option-500’, and ‘Hyola-401’). Results indicated cultivar had a significant effect on all studied traits. ‘Option-500’ and ‘Hyola-401’ cultivars had the highest seed yield, protein content, and N:S ratio in seed. The levels of 150 and 220 kg N ha^?1 resulted in the maximum protein content. Increasing N levels resulted in N content and decreased the oil content. The interaction effect between S and N levels showed the highest N content in seed was obtained with 300 kg S ha^?1 and 225 kg N ha^?1.     

不同的水稻品种产量及生理氮素利用效率的差异

Efficient use of N in agricultural practice can increase yield, decrease production costs and reduce the risk of environmental pollution. Effects of N fertilizer application rates on grain yield and physiological N use efficiency (PE) in relation to the accumulation and redistribution of biomass and N in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars were studied at two experimental farms of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China in 2004. Three high N use efficiency (NUE) rice cultivars (Wuyunjing 7, Nanguang and 4007) and one low NUE rice cultivar (Elio) with similar growth patterns were studied under seven N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 kg ha^-1). Grain yield increased with the N application rate and attained plateau at 180 kg N ha^-1 for rice cultivars at each site. Increasing N rate decreased PE for biomass and grain yield. Grain yield and PE of Elio were about 20% and 18% lower than those of high NUE cultivars. Differences in biomass, N accumulation and N redistribution were observed at the post-heading stage among rice cultivars with differing NUEs. The less reproductive tillers of Elio resulted in less demand for C and N during grain filling, thus leading to lower PE of Elio compared with the high NUE rice cultivars.     

Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Sulfur Fertility of Hybrid Canola

Abstract

Production of new high-yielding canola hybrids has been extremely prolific and, as a consequence, very little work has been performed to assess the fertility requirements of these crops. A series of experiments (14 site-years) was carried out over three years (1999–2001), primarily to assess the nitrogen (N) fertility of canola hybrid cultivars and at the same time ascertain whether the associated phosphate and sulfur (S) fertility are influenced by N application. All experiments included 12 rates of N (0 to 220 kg N ha^?1 in 20 kg ha^{? 1} increments) and three rates of either P₂O₅ or S (0, 20, and 40 kg ha^{? 1}) with blanket application of other nutrients. Although differences in the performance of individual canola hybrid cultivars can be significant in some cases, the term “hybrid” in this study does not refer to the performance of one specific cultivar, but to the group of hybrids tested. Under an identical nutrient regime, on average, hybrid cultivars produced a 17% higher seed yield, but did not reach maximum potential; on average, this result, occurred under a higher N fertility regime at which hybrid cultivars produced 33% higher yields than did conventional cultivars. To maintain maximum yield, hybrids must be supplied with phosphate and S at levels that are similar to those used on conventional cultivars. Hence, it would appear that hybrids are more efficient scavengers of soil nutrients, a fact that may have serious ramifications for the fertility of the following crops.     

SUBSOIL ROOT GROWTH OF FIELD GROWN SPRING WHEAT GENOTYPES (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) DIFFERING IN NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY PARAMETERS

In a two-year (1999–2000) field experiment four Swiss spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (cvs. ‘Albis’, ‘Toronit’ and ‘Pizol’ and an experimental line ‘L94491’) were compared for genotypic differences in the root parameters that determine uptake potential and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE):root surface area (RSA) and its components, root length density (RLD) and the diameter of the roots. The genotypes were grown under no (N0) and under ample fertilizer nitrogen (N) [ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃); N1; 250 kg N ha^?1] supply. Root samples were taken from all the genotypes at anthesis from the subsoil (30–60 cm). Genotypic effects on RLD and RSA were evident only in 2000 and large amounts of N fertilizer usually diminished root growth. Adequate soil moisture in 1999 may have favored the establishment of the root system of all the genotypes before anthesis. Parameters of NUE for each genotype were also determined at anthesis and at physiological maturity. ‘Albis’ the least efficient cv. in recovering fertilizer N (ranged from 36.5 to 61.1%) with the lowest N uptake efficiency (0.47 to 0.79 kg kg^?1) had the lowest RLD and RSA in both seasons. Among genotypes ‘Toronit’, a high-yielding cv., efficient in recovering fertilizer N, exhibited the higher NUE (22.4 to 29.3 kg kg^?1) and tended to have the highest values of RLD and RSA. Nitrogen fertilization also led to an increase in the proportion of roots with diameters less than 300 μm and decreased the proportion of roots with diameters of 300 to 700 μm. These trends were more pronounced for cv. ‘Pizol’ in 1999 and for cv. ‘Toronit’ in 1999 and 2000. By anthesis in a humid temperate climate, there are no marked differences in the subsoil root growth of the examined genotypes. Some peculiarities on the root growth characteristics of the cultivars ‘Albis’ and ‘Toronit’ may partially explain their different NUE performance.     

Interaction Between Phosphorus Nutrition and Drought on Grain Yield,and Assimilation of Phosphorus and Nitrogen in Two Soybean Cultivars Differing in Protein Concentration in Grains

ABSTRACT

Drought affects many physiological and biochemical processes and thus reduces plant growth. Phosphorus (P) fertilization improves tolerance to drought stress in many plants. A greenhouse experiment examined the interactive effects of P nutrition and drought stress on P accumulation and translocation, yield, and protein concentration in grains of two cultivars of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plants of cultivars ‘Heisheng 101’ (high protein in grains) and ‘Dongnong 464’ (low protein) were grown in a P-deficient soil supplied with 0–30 mg P kg^?1 soil. Drought stress was imposed at the initial flowering (R1) or the podding (R4) stage. Drought stress limited P accumulation and reduced P translocation to the seed. The addition of P enhanced the concentration and accumulation of nitrogen (N) and P in shoots and seeds of both cultivars. Drought stress decreased shoot biomass, grain yield, and P accumulation; the decrease was greater in ‘Dongnong 46’ than ‘Heisheng 101,’ and even more so if drought stress was imposed at R4 than at R1. In contrast, drought stress increased the concentration of N in shoot and protein in grains. The addition of P alleviated the effect of drought stress on plant growth, P accumulation, and grain yield in both cultivars but to a greater extent in ‘Dongnong 46’. The results suggest that application of P fertilizers could mitigate drought stress at the reproductive stage, resulting in less yield penalty and improvement of grain quality of soybean grown in P-deficient soils.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of different wheat plant types under dryland and irrigated conditions 1

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant type in major producing areas of the U.S. is changing rapidly from tall cultivars to high‐yielding semidwarf cultivars. Objectives of experiments were to determine if nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional requirements differ between traditional tall cultivars and modern semidwarf cultivars under dryland and irrigated conditions. ‘Larned’, a tall cultivar; ‘Newton’, a semidwarf cultivar; and ‘Plainsman V, a high‐protein semidwarf cultivar, were grown with all combinations of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 84, and 168 kg N/ha) and two phosphorus fertilizer levels (0 and 90 kg P₂O₅/ha) at Colby, Kansas for two years. Three levels of irrigation—dryland, limited irrigation, and full irrigation—were applied. Grain yields were highest with 84 kg N/ha under dryland and with 168 kg N/ha under irrigation. Phosphorus increased grain yield under dryland conditions one year, but had no effect under irrigated conditions. Cultivar X nutrition interactions from differential yield responses to fertility levels occurred under the dryland and limited irrigation regimes one year. Grain protein content was increased by nitrogen fertilization under all regimes both years and was decreased only by phosphorus fertilization under dryland conditions one year. Cultivar X nitrogen interactions for grain protein occurred under all irrigation regimes. We concluded that nutrient requirements do not differ between tall and semi dwarf wheat culti‐vars under any irrigation regime. Raising the recommended level of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, should be considered for all cultivars, both tall and semidwarf.     

Interactive effects of water and nitrogen stresses on nitrogen utilization efficiency,leaf water status and yield of corn genotypes

Abstract

Information on the combined effects of N and water stresses on corn (Zea mays L.) is of importance for selecting nitrogen efficient and drought tolerant genotypes. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the interactive effects of N and water stresses on N utilization efficiency (NUE), leaf water status and yield of diverse corn genotypes. Three genotypes which normally rank differently for NUE in the field, were grown to the 9‐leaf stage in the greenhouse with four N rates of 0, 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg and two water regimes (stressed for 8‐d, and unstressed). In the field experiment, four genotypes with different NUE history, were grown with N rates of 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg/ha, and water regimes of irrigated and dryland. Maximum grain yield was obtained at different N rates for different genotypes and for different water regimes. The genotypes differed significantly in NUE as expected, but also for water use efficiency (WUE) in both experiments. Nitrogen x water regime interactions for NUE were not significant in either experiment. Water regime did not significantly change the rank among genotypes for NUE as the genotype x water regime interactions for NUE were not significant in either of the two environments. This should greatly simplify selection of corn genotypes for NUE. NUE paralleled WUE closely for the genotypes studied. There was 19% difference between the best and poorest nitrogen efficient hybrids in terms of grain produced per kg total N uptake. Increasing N rate further decreased the total water potential of water stressed plants. There was a significant N x water regime interaction for grain yield. The grain yield increases due to irrigation compared to dryland ranged from 23% to 84% for the genotypes studied. Leaf water and osmotic potentials decreased significantly as N rate increased in the dryland, but were the same over N rates in irrigated plants. Apparent remobilization of N from leaves to grain was the major source of grain N in all genotypes, however, there were differences between genotypes for the fraction of leaf N remobilized. Genotypic selection for NUE does not appear to be influenced by water regime, and may result in simultaneous selection for WUE.     

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Upland Rice based on Pot Experiments

Abstract

Limited information is available regarding the utilization and loss of fertilizer nitrogen (N) applied to intensively managed upland rice. Effects of N fertilization on upland rice were conducted as N0 (no N applied), N225 (225 kg N · ha^?1), N300 (300 kg N · ha^?1), and N375 (375 kg N · ha^?1) in pot experiments. ¹⁵N‐labeled techniques were used in basal and topdressing N fertilizations. Results showed with the increase of N quantity applied, tiller, panicle numbers per pot, and spikelet number per panicle increased significantly (P<0.05). Chlorophyll b content of N225 and N300 were significantly higher than N0 (P<0.05), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of N300 increased significantly compared with N0 and N225. Under basal fertilization, N use efficiency (NUE) of root, stem, leaf, and grain in N300 was the highest. The NUE and loss rate ranged from 23.3% to 30.3% and 62.4% to 73.8%, respectively, under basal fertilization. They varied from 16.5% to 27.5% and 70.7% to 80.4%, respectively, under topdressing fertilization. The highest NUE was observed in N300 under basal fertilization. As increased quantities of N were applied, Pn and biological characteristics improved, thus crop yield of upland rice increased. Grain yield of N300 and N375 were significantly higher than that of N0 and N225 (P<0.01); however, there was no significant difference between them. Therefore, N fertilization with medium applied quantity under basal fertilization will facilitate growing, photosynthesis, and grain yield increase of upland rice.     

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Herbage Production of an Established Grass Sward in Relation to Moisture and Nitrogen Fertilization

Herbage growth and nitrogen (N) use efficiency in grazed or mown grasslands are generally low, associated mostly with poor response to fertilizer N. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the short-term response of grass to fertilizer N with respect to herbage yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in order to provide a better basis for improving the efficient use of fertilizer N in grassland ecosystems. Both NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ sources of N were applied to an established grass sward with three moisture levels, i.e., natural conditions (63% water-filled pore space, WFPS), near field capacity level (71% WFPS), and slightly wetter than field capacity (84% WFPS). Herbage yield, i.e., dry matter (DM), N uptake, N recovery efficiency, yield efficiency, and physiological efficiency were determined over a 7–28 d period. Addition of N fertilizers significantly increased the herbage yield and N uptake of grass sward over that of the control. In the plots where NO₃ ^??N was added as the N source, DM yield was between 1760–1870 kg ha^?1, N recovery efficiency was between 24%–43%, and yield and physiological efficiency were in the range of 2.1–3.2 and 6.4–8.8 kg DM kg^{? 1} N, respectively. In NH₄ ⁺?N added plots, the DM yield was between 3190–3700 kg ha^{? 1}, N recovery efficiency was between 39%–48% while yield and physiological efficiency were in the range of 3.5–5.6 and 9.0–11.6 kg DM kg^{? 1} N, respectively. Results indicated that total DM yield, N uptake, and NUE depend on the source of N and the level of moisture in the field. Assimilation of N is also affected by the stage of plant development after N fertilization. About 50%–54% of applied N was recovered in the initial 14 and 21 d after fertilizer application and thereafter translocation of N slowed. A fall in herbage production and minimal response to N fertilizer has been observed at 84% WFPS, while the maximum herbage yield and N recovery efficiency was recorded in soil near or below field capacity. The grass sward with added NH₄ ⁺?N produced a larger yield and had higher NUE relative to the sward with NO₃ ^??N. Results confirm that applied N was not utilized efficiently by grass sward and a decrease in N uptake and its utilization seem to be the key factors responsible for the poor herbage productivity often observed in pastoral agriculture. These results suggest that both moisture and N source have a substantial effect on herbage yield and N utilization by plants and therefore should be considered for efficient management of N fertilization and recommendations for grass sward.     

Interactive effects of sowing date and nitrogen fertilizer on water and nitrogen use efficiency in millet cultivars under drought stress

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of two irrigation regimes (55 and 85% of soil available water depletion) and two nitrogen levels (0 and 112.5?kg ha^?1) on yield as well as water and nitrogen use efficiencies of two millet cultivars (namely, Bastan and Pishahang) planted at two sowing dates during 2015 and 2016. Growth parameters and nitrogen use of the millet cultivars were found affected by drought, nitrogen level, and sowing date as well as their interactions. Nitrogen application was found to improve not only nitrogen uptake, chlorophyll content, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) but also grain and biological yields; more positive effects were, however, observed under the control irrigation regime. Nevertheless, nitrogen uptake (NUpE), utilization (NUtE), and use (NUE) efficiencies decreased as a result of nitrogen application. The increases in grain yield (16 versus 7%) and IWUEg (17 versus 6%) due to nitrogen application were more pronounced in the drought-tolerant Bastan cultivar than in the drought-sensitive Pishahang. However, nitrogen application decreased NUpE in both cultivars. Although water stress increased soil N residual with all the sowing dates, the increase was greater with the early ones. The results of the experiment suggest that the application of higher nitrogen levels is not the proper strategy for compensating for the reduced yield under drought conditions. Rather, late sowing dates, due to the lower drought effects associated, might be the proper alternative for achieving higher yields as well as improved IWUE and NUE in areas plagued with water shortage.     

Liming and Nitrogen Effects on Maize Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed to determine the appropriate nitrogen (N) rate to combine with liming for enhanced maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Obatanpa-98 (Oba-98)], two lime rates (0 kg ha^?1 and 500 kg ha^?1) and three N rates (0, 90 and 180 kg ha^?1) were used. The treatments were laid as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The growth attributes, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), harvest index, dry matter, and grain yield increased (P ≤ 0.05) with increases in N rates, especially in plots amended with lime. Oba-98 was better yielding (2.12 versus (vs) 1.88 t ha^?1) and absorbed more (P ≤ 0.05) radiation (442.06 vs 409.54 μmol m^?2s^?1) than IKW. The efficiency indices and partial factor productivity were best optimized at the 90 kg ha^?1 N rate with Oba-98 having higher values than IKW. Therefore, liming (500 kg ha^?1) plus N at 180 kg ha^?1produced the best yield of the hybrid maize, Oba-98.     

Supplements of Nickel Affect Yield,Quality, and Nitrogen Metabolism When Urea or Nitrate is the Sole Nitrogen Source for Cucumber

ABSTRACT

Influences of nickel (Ni) concentrations in the nutrient solution on yield, quality, and nitrogen (N) metabolism of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus cv ‘RS189’ and ‘Vikima’) were evaluated when plants were grown either with urea or nitrate as the sole N source. The cucumber plants were treated with two N sources, urea and nitrate as sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) at 200 mg L^?1, and three concentrations of Ni as nickel sulfate (NiSO₄·6H₂O; 0, 0.5, and 1 mg L^?1). Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with six replicates. The highest concentration of Ni in the leaves (1.2 mg kg^?1 Dwt) was observed in the urea-fed plants at 1 mg L^?1 Ni concentration. Additions of Ni up to 0.5 mg L^?1 had no effect on the fruit Ni concentration in the both urea and nitrate-fed plants. Yield significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the Ni supplements from 0 to 0.5 mg L^?1 (10 and 15% in ‘RS189’ and ‘Vikima’, respectively), but decreased when 1 mg L^?1 Ni applied to the solutions in urea-fed plants. Nitrate-fed plants had a higher percentage of total soluble solids compare to those urea-fed plants. Nitrate concentrations of the fruits in urea-fed plants in both cultivars were reduced by approximately 50% compared to those nitrate-fed plants. The reduction of nitrate concentration in the fruits became more pronounced as the Ni concentration increased in the solution. The rate of photosynthesis (Pn) increased with the increase of the Ni concentration in the solution with urea-fed plants. Both N concentration and nitrate reductase (NR) activity of young leaves were higher in urea-fed plants at 0.5 mg l^?1 Ni concentration. Ni supplements enhanced the growth and yield of urea-fed plants by increasing Pn, N concentration and NR activity. It can be concluded that Ni supplements (0.5 mg l^?1) improve yield, quality, and NR activity in urea-fed cucumber plants.