Nitrogen fertilization affects maize grain yield through regulating nitrogen uptake, radiation and water use efficiency, photosynthesis and root distribution.

ABSTRACT: High external nitrogen (N) inputs can maximize maize yield but can cause a subsequent reduction in N use efficiency (NUE). Thus, it is necessary to identify the minimum effective N fertilizer input that does not affect maize grain yield (GY) and to investigate the photosynthetic and root system consequences of this optimal dose. We conducted a 4-year field experiment from 2014 to 2017 with four N application rates: 300 (N₃₀₀), 225 (N₂₂₅), 150 (N₁₅₀), and 0 Kg ha^-1 (N₀) in the Northwest of China. GY was assessed by measuring the photosynthetic capacity and root system (root volume, surface area, length density and distribution). Grain yield decreased by -3%, 7.7%, and 21.9% when the N application rates decreased by 25%, 50%, and 100% fr

SUBMITTER: Su W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7676353 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature