scholarly journals Balanced nutrient requirements for maize in the Northern Nigerian Savanna: Parameterization and validation of QUEFTS model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bello M. Shehu ◽  
Bassam A. Lawan ◽  
Jibrin M. Jibrin ◽  
Alpha Y. Kamara ◽  
Ibrahim B. Mohammed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendations ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Nigerian Savanna ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

AbstractEstablishing balanced nutrient requirements for maize (Zea mays L.) in the Northern Nigerian Savanna is paramount to develop site-specific fertilizer recommendations to increase maize yield, profits of farmers and avoid negative environmental impacts of fertilizer use. The model QUEFTS (QUantitative Evaluation of Fertility of Tropical Soils) was used to estimate balanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) requirements for maize production in the Northern Nigerian Savanna. Data from on-farm nutrient omission trials conducted in 2015 and 2016 rainy seasons in two agro-ecological zones in the Northern Nigerian Savanna (i.e. Northern Guinea Savanna “NGS” and Sudan Savanna “SS”) were used to parameterize and validate the QUEFTS model. The relations between indigenous soil N, P, and K supply and soil properties were not well described with the QUEFTS default equations and consequently new and better fitting equations were derived. The average fertilizer recovery fractions of N, P and K in the NGS were generally comparable with the QUEFTS default values, but lower recovery fractions of these nutrients were observed in the SS. The parameters of maximum accumulation (a) and dilution (d) in kg grain per kg nutrient for the QUEFTS model obtained were respectively 35 and 79 for N, 200 and 527 for P and 25 and 117 for K in the NGS zone and 32 and 79 for N, 164 and 528 for P and 24 and 136 for K in the SS zone. The model predicted a linear relationship between grain yield and above-ground nutrient uptake until yield reached about 50 to 60% of the yield potential. When the yield target reached 60% of the potential yield (i.e. 6.0 tonnes per hectare), the model showed above-ground nutrient uptake of 19.4, 3.3 and 23.0 kg N, P, and K, respectively, per one tonne of maize grain in the NGS, and 17.3, 5.3 and 26.2 kg N, P and K, respectively, per one tonne of maize grain in the SS. These results suggest an average NPK ratio in the plant dry matter of about 5.9:1:7.0 for maize in the NGS and 3.3:1:4.9 for maize in the SS. There was a close agreement between observed and parameterized QUEFTS predicted yields across the two agro-ecological zones (R2 = 0.70 for the NGS and 0.86 for the SS). We concluded that the QUEFTS model can be used for balanced nutrient requirement estimations and development of site-specific fertilizer recommendations for maize intensification in the Northern Nigerian Savanna.

scholarly journals Estimating Nutrient Uptake Requirements for Melon Based on the QUEFTS Model

Agronomy ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Meijuan Wen ◽  
Sicun Yang ◽  
Lin Huo ◽  
Ping He ◽  
Xinpeng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendations ◽  
Use Efficiency

Imbalanced and excessive fertilizer application has resulted in low yields and reduced nutrient use efficiency for melon production in China. Estimating nutrient requirements is crucial for effectively developing site-specific fertilizer recommendations for increasing yield and profit while reducing negative environmental impacts. Relationships between the yield and nutrient uptake requirements of above-ground dry matter were assessed using 1127 on-farm observations (2000–2020) from melon production regions of China. The quantitative evaluation of fertility of tropical soils (QUEFTS) model was used to estimate nutrient requirements. It predicted a linear increase in yield at balanced nutrient uptake levels until the yield reached approximately 60–80% of the potential yield. In order to produce 1000 kg of fruit, 2.9, 0.4 and 3.2 kg/ha of N, P and K (7.2:1.0:7.8), respectively, were required for above-ground parts, while the corresponding nutrient internal efficiencies were 345.3, 2612.6 and 310.0 kg per kg N, P and K, respectively, whereas 1.4, 0.2 and 1.9 kg of N, P and K were required to replace nutrients removed after harvest. The corresponding fruit absorption rates were 47.0%, 59.5% and 58.2%, respectively. Field validation experiments confirmed the consistency between observed and simulated uptake rates, indicating that this model could estimate nutrient requirements. These findings will help develop fertilizer recommendations for improving melon yield and nutrient use efficiency.

scholarly journals Evaluation of nutrient uptake of selected cover crops and biochar on the yield advantage of two taro (Colocasia esculenta) cultivars in Samoa

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Sanjay Anand
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Fallow Systems ◽  
Coconut Shells ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

A study was conducted in three agro ecological zones of Samoa to compare the dry matter yields and nutrient uptake of selected tropical cover crops and biochar application on different Samoan inceptisols. Subsequent improvements in corm yield of the two taro cultivars, (Samoa 1 and Samoa 2), under these fallow systems were also determined. The split-plot arrangement with main plots as cover crops and subplots as the cultivars was used, with four replications. The evaluated cover crops included: a reference – grass fallow treatment (farmers practice), Mucuna pruriens, Erythrina subumbrans, Mucuna pruriens + 200 kg of NPK fertiliser (12-5-20), farmer’s reference practice + 400 kg of NPK fertiliser (12-5-20), and biochar produced from coconut shells. The biomass samples were collected after the six month of fallow duration. Plant tissue analyses revealed that the nitrogen and the phosphorus contents of erythrina was higher than corresponding mucuna cover across all three sites. However, as a result of higher biomass production, Mucuna pruriens showed the highest nutrient accrual over the six month fallow duration. The general yield trend under different fallow practices across all the sites indicates that mucuna with modest supplementation of complete fertilisers can help maintain optimum taro yields. However, it appears that the yield responses of the taro crop to fallow treatments are site-specific.

Increased Maize Yields through the Transdisciplinary Process with Site Specific Fertilizer Recommendation in Small Holder Farms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Arusey Chebet ◽  
Otinga A. Nekesa ◽  
Wilson Ng’etich ◽  
Ruth Njoroge ◽  
Roland W. Scholz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Maize Grain Yield ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendations ◽  
Maize Yields ◽  
Maize Grain

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of site-specific fertilizer recommendations on maize yield using the transdisciplinary (TD) process. 144 farmers participated in the study for the two seasons. Experiments were laid on the farmers’ fields at four sites (Kapyemit, Kipsomba, Ngenyilel and Ziwa, in Uasin Gishu County) using Randomized Complete Block Design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included farmers who participated in the TD process (TD2) and those who did not (TD1) in using the interventions for soil fertility improvement which were farmer own practices (ST1); farmers who applied government recommendations (ST2), and site-specific fertilizer recommendations (ST3) which was based on soil testing results. The Data collected was the dry weights of maize which were measured at the end of the seasons and subjected to Analysis of Variance using Genstat 14th edition. Means separation was done using Fischer’s unprotected Least Significant Difference.. There was a significant effect on maize yields by soil testing and participation in TD process p = 0.01. The mean maize grain yield for season one was 5.43 ton ha-1 while for season two was 5.73 ton ha-1. Control farmers (TD1) maize grain yield of 5.27 ton ha-1, had a significant difference (p = 0.05) from the yield of participating farmers (TD2) who had 5.96 ton ha-1. Maize grain yield was increased by the application of site specific fertilizer recommendations which gave an overall mean of 6.57 ton ha-1 for season one and 6.56 ton ha-1 for season two. Following (ST3) recommendations and participation in the TD process, improved soil nutrient content thus maize yield increased. We recommend soil testing and consequent site-specific fertilizer recommendations for any initiative in managing soil fertility.

scholarly journals Modelling maize grain yield and nitrate leaching from sludge-amended soils across agro-ecological zones: A case study from South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4 October) ◽  
Author(s):  
ZM Ogbazghi ◽  
EH Tesfamariam ◽  
JG Annandale
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Inorganic Fertilizer ◽  
Amended Soils ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Maize Grain Yield ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Sludge Application ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

When applying municipal sludge according to crop N requirements, the primary aim should be optimizing sludge application rates in order to maximize crop yield and minimize environmental impacts through nitrate leaching. Nitrate leaching and subsequent groundwater contamination is potentially one of the most important factors limiting the long-term viability of sludge application to agricultural soils. This study assessed maize grain yield and potential nitrate leaching from sludge-amended soils, using the SWB-Sci model, based on crop nitrogen requirements and inorganic fertilizer. The following hypotheses were tested using the SWB­-Sci model and 20 years of measured weather data for 4 of the 6 South African agro-ecological zones. Under dryland maize cropping, grain yield and nitrate leaching from sludge-amended soils compared to inorganic fertilizer: (1) will remain the same across agro-ecological zones and sites, (2) will not vary across seasons at a specific site, and (3) will not vary across soil textures. Model simulations showed that annual maize grain yield and nitrate leaching varied significantly (P > 0.05) across the four agro-ecological zones, both for sludge-amended and inorganic fertilizer amended soils. The annual maize grain yield and nitrate leaching from sludge-amended soils were 12.6 t∙ha-1 and 32.7 kgNO3-N∙ha−1 compared to 10.2 t∙ha-1 and 43.2 kgNO3-N∙ha−1 for inorganic fertilizer in the super-humid zone. Similarly, maize grain yield and nitrate leaching varied significantly across seasons and soil textures for both sludge and inorganic fertilizer amended soils. However, nitrate losses were lower from sludge-amended soils (2.3–8.2%) compared to inorganic fertilizer (11.1–26.7%) across all zones in South Africa. Therefore, sludge applied according to crop N requirements has a lower environmental impact from nitrate leaching than commercial inorganic fertilizer. Further validation of these findings is recommended, using field studies, and monitoring potential P accumulation for soils that received sludge according to crop N requirements.

scholarly journals Quantitative Estimation of the Nutrient Uptake Requirements of Peanut

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengmeng Xie ◽  
Zhongqiang Wang ◽  
Xinpeng Xu ◽  
Xing Zheng ◽  
Hanyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Quantitative Estimation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Nutritional Requirement ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Linear Absorption ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendations ◽  
Ecological Region ◽  
Validation Experiments

Understanding the characteristics of the balanced nutrient requirements for peanut to achieve target yields is paramount when formulating fertilizer management strategies to increase yields and avoid fertilizer loss. Nutritional requirement estimation models can provide effective alternatives for the estimation of the optimum crop balanced nutrient requirements under varied agricultural conditions which are less time consuming and expensive. In the present study, the quantitative estimation of the optimum crop balanced nutrient requirements of peanut in China were obtained using quantitative evaluation of fertility of tropical soils (QUEFTS) model. The database covered the main agro-ecological region for peanut crops in China between 1993 and 2018. The predicted results of the QUEFTS model indicated that nutrient uptake requirements increased linearly with increasing pod yields until the yields had reached approximately 60% to 70% of the potential pod yields. It was found that with the increasing pod yields during the nutrient linear absorption stage, the plants had required 38.4 kg N, 4.3 kg P, and 14.0 kg K in total to produce 1000 kg of pods, and the corresponding internal efficiencies were 26.0 kg N/kg, 235.0 kg P/kg, and 71.6 kg K/kg, respectively. In addition, the balance rates of the removal nutrient in the pods were determined to be 29.4 kg N, 2.9 kg P, and 4.9 kg K per 1000 kg of pod yield, or approximately 76.5%, 67.4%, and 34.7% of N, P, and K in the total plants, respectively. This study’s field validation experiments verified the applicability and accuracy of the QUEFTS model. Therefore, it was considered to be an effective alternative for the estimation of the optimal balance N, P, and K uptake requirements for peanut crops. These findings will potentially be helpful when making future decisions regarding fertilizer recommendations for peanut crops in China.

Estimating nutrient requirements for winter oilseed rape based on QUEFTS analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 154 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. REN ◽  
J. ZOU ◽  
Y. WANG ◽  
X. K. LI ◽  
R. H. CONG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Winter Oilseed Rape ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Target Yield ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Relationship Of

SUMMARYEstimating crop nutrient requirements for winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is a crucial step in optimizing fertilization to enhance seed yield and improve fertilizer use efficiency. In the present paper, a database composed of 1035 on-farm observations collected from 2005 to 2010 across the major winter oilseed rape production regions in China was used to evaluate internal nutrient efficiencies (kg seed per kg nutrient in plant dry matter); then the Quantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) model for winter oilseed rape was developed to describe the nutrient uptake-yield relationship of oilseed rape over a wide range of environmental conditions and predict the nutrient requirements for a target yield. After excluding observations with low harvest index values, <0·20, and excluding 0·025 of the highest and lowest internal nutrient efficiencies, the minimum and maximum internal nutrient efficiencies were estimated as 13·1 and 31·6 kg seed/kg nitrogen (N), 68·9 and 200·3 kg seed/kg phosphorus (P) and 8·9 and 31·1 kg seed/kg potassium (K), respectively. On the basis of the data settings, the balanced N, P and K uptake at different yield potential levels was calculated using a linear–parabolic–plateau curve with the QUEFTS model. Crop nutrient requirements increased linearly until the yield reached approximately 0·60–0·70 of the potential yield, and 46·0 kg N, 8·0 kg P and 57·1 kg K were found to be needed to produce 1000 kg of seed. The corresponding internal nutrient efficiencies were 21·8, 125·1 and 17·5 kg seed/kg N, P and K, respectively. However, when the target yields approached the yield potential, a decrease in internal nutrient efficiencies was detected in the model. The predicted nutrient requirement values simulated by the QUEFTS model compared well with observed values across a range of conditions. To conclude, the QUEFTS model was shown to be a practical and robust tool for assessing the crop nutrient requirements of winter oilseed rape.

scholarly journals Агроекологічні аспекти просторово-часової динаміки урожайності соняшнику

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-207
Author(s):  
O. V. Zhukov ◽  
S. V. Ponomarenko
Keyword(s):  
Growth Potential ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Productive Capacity ◽  
Topographic Wetness Index ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
The Third ◽  
Moderate Growth ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

<p>Dynamics of sunflower yield in agricultural enterprises in the administrative districts of the Poltava region for the period 1995-2016 have been explored. Agroecological zoning of the Poltava region that is based on dynamic productivity features sunflower have been performed. We founded that sunflower yield fluctuated in the farms of Poltava region from 13.36±1.40 to 21.81±1.89 t/ha within 1995-2016. The lowest level of variation (CV) of sunflower yields during the study period was 28.33% and the highest was 49.03%. The great yield range was caused by spatial variation component. The analysis of sunflower yield revealed clear trends which can be described by the third polynomial order. Specific terms of polynomial curve of the third order can be meaningfully interpreted and applied to describe the dynamics of sunflower yield. The free coefficient of the polynomial reflects the level of sunflower productivity in the starting period. The value of the function at the point of local minimum points to the "bottom" of the dynamics of productivity culture. The maximum productivity reflects a balance between factors of the agroeconomical and agrotechnological nature and also the biological potential of the sunflower. Parameters and special trend point of sunflower yield can be explained by landscape cover diversity indicators, topographic wetness index, erosion factors and their interaction. According to the forecast value of growth rate the study plots were divided into three groups of agriculture environment, namely: with low potential of growth (b &lt;0.044), moderate growth potential (0.044 &lt;b &lt;0.051), and high growth potential (b&gt; 0.051). Sunflower yield variability which is outside the polynomial trend can be described by four multidimensional factors that explained up to 84.9% of variability. These factors were characterized by definite spatial and temporal variability. The most typical oscillation period is 4.4 years and 2.2 years, whereas the longest period was 11 years. We also determined some periods of 5.5 and 7.3 years. We determined some clusters or agro-ecological zones by factor analysis. The highest yield potential of sunflower was registered for agro-ecological zone with disruptive areas in the east of study region. The area with lowest productive capacity was determined for agro-ecological zones in the northwest. We determined the transitional zones concerning the yields characteristic in the center and eastern part of study region.</p>

scholarly journals Definition of Optimal Maize Seeding Rates Based on the Potential Yield of Management Zones

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 911
Author(s):  
Adriano Adelcino Anselmi ◽  
José Paulo Molin ◽  
Helizani Couto Bazame ◽  
Lucas de Paula Corrêdo
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Plant Population ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Specific Yield ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Management Zones ◽  
Soil Attributes ◽  
Maize Hybrids

The decision on crop population density should be a function of biotic and abiotic field parameters and optimize the site-specific yield potential, which can be a real challenge for farmers. The objective of this study was to investigate the yield of maize hybrids subjected to variable rate seeding (VRS) and in differentiated management zones (MZs). The experiment was conducted between 2013 and 2015 in a commercial field in the Central-West region of Brazil. First, MZ were delineated using the K-means algorithm with layers involving soil electrical conductivity, yield maps from previous years, and elevation. Seven maize hybrids at five seeding rates were evaluated in the context of each MZ and the cause-and-effect relationship with soil attributes was investigated. Optimal yields were obtained for crop population densities between 70,000 plants ha−1 and 80,000 plants ha−1. Hybrids which perform well under higher densities are key in achieving positive results using VRS. The plant population densities that resulted in maximum yields were obtained for densities at least 27% higher than the recommended seeding rates. The yield variance between MZs can be explained by the variance in soil attributes, while the yield variance within MZs can be explained by the variance in plant population densities. The study shows that on-farm experimentation can be key for obtaining information concerning yield potential. The management by VRS in different MZs is a low-cost technique that can reduce input application costs and optimize yield according to the site-specific potential of the field.

scholarly journals Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yield Response to Tillage Methods and Fertilizer Combinations in the Midland Agro-ecological Zones of Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 616
Author(s):  
Hillary Moses Omondi Otieno ◽  
Shamie Zingore ◽  
George N. Chemining’wa ◽  
Charles K. Gachene
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Crop Residue ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Cr System ◽  
Tillage Methods ◽  
Residue Retention ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

The trials were set up in Busia, Embu and Kirinyaga Counties to assess the effect of tillage methods and application of different fertilizer combinations on maize productivity in the lower and upper midland agro-ecological zones of Kenya. Tillage methods were no-tillage (NT) with crop residue retention as mulch (+CR) (NT+CR) and conventional tillage (CT) without crop residue retention on farm surface (-CR) (CT-CR) while fertilizer combinations were NK, NP, PK, NPK, and NPK+CaMgZnBS. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, B and S nutrients were applied at the rates of 120, 40, 40, 10, 10, 5 and 26.3 kg ha-1, respectively. The trials were laid in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and replicated three times. The results showed that maize leaf area index, plant height, aboveground biomass, crop growth rate, and grain yield were significantly higher under CT-CR than under NT+CR in most of the sites. The CT-CR system out-yielded NT+CR system by 0.3 t ha-1 and 0.6 t ha-1 maize grain in Alupe and Kirinyaga, respectively. However, NT+CR system out-yielded CT-CR system by 0.4 t ha -1 maize grain at Embu. Across all the sites, application of PK and NPK+ZnBMgCaS fertilizer combinations resulted, respectively, in lowest and highest maize shoot biomass, leaf area indices, crop growth rates, plant heights, and grain yields. Based on this result alone, the potential of conservation agriculture in improving yields compared to conventional tillage could not be conclusive despite consistently recording higher soil moisture content across all sites and better yields in Embu. Again, application of a wide range of nutrients may be beneficial to maize production in the study areas as evidenced in the study. Therefore, we recommend multi-season and multi-location trials to comprehensively assess the impact of tillage methods and fertilizer management, particularly in relation to micronutrients.

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