Optimizing water and nitrogen management improves maize productivity by regulating root development in the cold semi-arid Songnen plains of Northeast China.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Water constraints and excessive nitrogen (N) application hinder root development in spring maize in cold semi-arid regions (CSR), limiting growth and yield. In this study, we focused on the CSR where water scarcity and high fertilizer use are major challenges. Optimizing water-N interactions can enhance root distribution and nutrient uptake, offering a key strategy for improving crop productivity.

Materials and methods

To determine the optimal water-N management strategy under local climatic conditions and evaluate its effects on root physiology and yield performance of spring maize. A two-year field experiment (2020-2021) tested four N application rates (N0: 0 kg ha^-1, N100: 100 kg ha^-1, N200: 200kg ha^-1, N300: 300 kg ha^-1<

SUBMITTER: Chi YX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12491213 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature