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Estimation of Critical Nitrogen Concentration Based on Leaf Dry Matter in Drip Irrigation Spring Maize Production in Northern China

Author

Listed:
  • Biao Jia

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Jiangpeng Fu

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Huifang Liu

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Zhengzhou Li

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Yu Lan

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Xue Wei

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Yongquan Zhai

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Bingyuan Yun

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Jianzhen Ma

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Hao Zhang

    (School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

Abstract

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer not only increases crop yield but also improves the N utilization efficiency. The critical N concentration (N c ) can be used to diagnose crops’ N nutritional status. The N c dilution curve model of maize was calibrated with leaf dry matter (LDM) as the indicator, and the performance of the model for diagnosing maize N nutritional status was further evaluated. Three field experiments were carried out in two sites between 2018 and 2020 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region with a series of N levels (application of N from 0 to 450 kg N ha −1 ). Two spring maize cultivars, i.e., Tianci19 (TC19) and Ningdan19 (ND19), were utilized in the field experiment. The results showed that a negative power function relationship existed between LDM and leaf N concentration (LNC) for spring maize under drip irrigation. The N c dilution curve equation was divided into two parts: when the LDM < 1.11 t ha −1 , the constant leaf N c value was 3.25%; and when LDM > 1.11 t ha −1 , the N c curve was 3.33LDM −0.24 . The LDM-based N c curve can well distinguish data on the N-limiting and non-N-limiting N status of maize, which was independent of maize varieties, growing seasons, and stages. Additionally, the N nutrition index (NNI) had a significant linear correlation with the relative leaf dry matter (RLDM). This study revealed that the LDM-based N c dilution curve could accurately identify spring maize N status under drip irrigation. NNI can thus, be used as a robust and reliable tool to diagnose the N nutritional status of maize.

Suggested Citation

  • Biao Jia & Jiangpeng Fu & Huifang Liu & Zhengzhou Li & Yu Lan & Xue Wei & Yongquan Zhai & Bingyuan Yun & Jianzhen Ma & Hao Zhang, 2022. "Estimation of Critical Nitrogen Concentration Based on Leaf Dry Matter in Drip Irrigation Spring Maize Production in Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:16:p:9838-:d:883916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liu, Pengzhao & Fan, Zhen & Yan, Zinan & Ren, Xiaolong & Zhao, Xining & Zhang, Jianjun & Chen, Xiaoli, 2024. "Evaluation of N nutrition and optimal fertilizer rate for ridge-furrow mulched maize based on critical N dilution curve under different water conditions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    2. Juan Zhai & Guoqiang Zhang & Yuanmeng Zhang & Wenqian Xu & Ruizhi Xie & Bo Ming & Peng Hou & Keru Wang & Jun Xue & Shaokun Li, 2022. "Effect of the Rate of Nitrogen Application on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield Formation of Densely Planted Maize," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-14, November.

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