Assessment of Fertilizer Management Strategies Aiming to Increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Wheat Grown Under Conservation Agriculture

Sustainable crop production systems can be attained by using inputs efficiently and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) parameters are indirect measurements of sustainability of production systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of selected nitrogen (N) management treatments on wheat yields, grain and straw N concentration, and NUE parameters, under conservation agriculture (CA). The present study was conducted at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in northwest, Mexico. Seventeen treatments were tested which included urea sources, timing, and methods of fertilizer application. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare groups of treatments and correlation and regression analyses were used to look at the relationships between wheat yields and NUE parameters. Contrasts run to compare wheat yields or agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) performed similarly. Sources of urea or timing of fertilizer application had a significant effect on yields or AEN (p > 0.050). However, methods of application resulted in a highly significant (p < 0.0001) difference on wheat yields and agronomic efficiency of N. NUE parameters recorded in this study were average but the productivity associated to NUE levels was high. Results in this study indicate that wheat grew under non-critically limiting N supply levels, suggesting that N mineralization and reduced N losses from the soil under CA contributed to this favorable nutritional condition, thus minimizing the importance of N management practices under stable, mature CA systems.

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Synthesis of Climate, Soil Factors, and Nitrogen Management Practices Affecting the Responses of Wheat Productivity and Nitrogen Use Efficiency to Nitrogen Fertilizer in China

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su10103533 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 3533 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yunqi Wang ◽

Jiapeng Yang ◽

Rui Zhang ◽

Zhikuan Jia

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Management Practices ◽

Wheat Yield ◽

Soil Factors ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

N Application ◽

Average Annual Temperature ◽

Coated Urea ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

N Management

The reported effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) vary greatly, due to differences in climate, soil factors, and N management practices in different regions of China. We collected literature published during 1950–2017 that reported the yield and NUE for wheat in China, under N application and control treatments, and analyzed the data therein. A significant increase in yield was observed with N application, and varied with climate, soil factors, and N management practices in different regions. A larger increase in yield was observed under an average annual temperature of 13–15 °C, an average annual precipitation of >800 mm, respectively. Greater yield-increasing effects were observed in soil with a coarse soil texture, lower soil total N, available N, and a soil pH of ≤7 and >8, respectively. In Northwest China, the yield increase was greater under multiple coated urea applications after anthesis, while the higher NUE was observed under single coated urea application before anthesis. In North China, the yield and NUE were greater under multiple coated urea applications before anthesis. In South China, the yield and NUE were greater under multiple N applications. Consequently, to improve wheat yield and NUE, site-specific N management practices should be adopted.

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Review of Active Optical Sensors for Improving Winter Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10081157 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1157

Author(s):

Lawrence Aula ◽

Peter Omara ◽

Eva Nambi ◽

Fikayo B. Oyebiyi ◽

William R. Raun

Keyword(s):

Winter Wheat ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Optical Sensors ◽

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Optical Sensor ◽

Management Practices ◽

N Uptake ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

N Management

Improvement of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) via active optical sensors has gained attention in recent decades, with the focus of optimizing nitrogen (N) input while simultaneously sustaining crop yields. To the authors’ knowledge, a comprehensive review of the literature on how optical sensors have impacted winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) NUE and grain yield has not yet been performed. This work reviewed and documented the extent to which the use of optical sensors has impacted winter wheat NUE and yield. Two N management approaches were evaluated; optical sensor and conventional methods. The study included 26 peer-reviewed articles with data on NUE and grain yield. In articles without NUE values but in which grain N was included, the difference method was employed to compute NUE based on grain N uptake. Using optical sensors resulted in an average NUE of 42% (±2.8% standard error). This approach improved NUE by approximately 10.4% (±2.3%) when compared to the conventional method. Grain yield was similar for both approaches of N management. Optical sensors could save as much as 53 (±16) kg N ha−1. This gain alone may not be adequate for increased adoption, and further refinement of the optical sensor robustness, possibly by including weather variables alongside sound agronomic management practices, may be necessary.

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Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield of Maize Varieties as affected by Nitrogen rate in Mid Altitude Areas of Western Ethiopia

10.20944/preprints201902.0239.v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Tolera Abera Goshu ◽

Dagne Wegary Gissa ◽

Tolessa Debele Dalessa

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽

Fertilizer Application ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Agronomic Efficiency ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Fertilizer Rates ◽

Western Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most widely grown important crop in mid altitude areas of intensive maize-based cropping system of western Ethiopia. Agronomic management is the most important input for getting potential yield and high net returns in hybrid maize production. A field experiment was carried out on farmers’ field to find out the effect of varieties (four maize) and nitrogen fertilizer rate (55, 110 kg N ha-1) with one control on yield components and nitrogen use efficiency of different maize varieties in 2013 and 2014 cropping season. It was laid with randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Mean grain yield, thousand seed weight, dry biomass and harvest index of maize varieties were significantly differed among farms and varieties of maize. Application of nitrogen fertilizer rates was significantly increased mean grain yield maize varieties. Interaction of maize varieties with nitrogen fertilizer rates was significantly affected all yield components of maize varieties. Application half and full recommended nitrogen fertilizer gave mean grain yield advantages of 31 and 41 % over control maize varieties planted without nitrogen application. Maize varieties producing higher mean grain yield was also giving higher mean dry biomass. Mean nitrogen up take was varied from 225 to 357 kg ha-1 among varieties of maize. Higher agronomic efficiency of all maize varieties was obtained from maize planted with application half recommended nitrogen fertilizer compared to full recommend. Agronomic efficiency was ranged from 18 to 33 produced among maize varieties. Significantly higher nitrogen up take efficiency of maize varieties was achieved from maize planted with full recommended nitrogen fertilizer application. Considerably higher nitrogen use efficiency of maize varieties was realized from all maize varieties planted with application half recommended nitrogen fertilizer. Application of half recommended nitrogen fertilizer was gave 32 % fertilizer N use efficiency advantage as compared to full recommended nitrogen fertilizer. Maize varieties BH-661>BH-660> BH-543>BH-540>BH-140 were desirable varieties for further promotion work and use by smallholder farmers in mid altitude area of western Ethiopia.

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Nitrogen use efficiency and manure management practices in contrasting dairy production systems

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment ◽

10.1016/j.agee.2011.05.011 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 147 ◽

pp. 73-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Cameron J.P. Gourley ◽

Sharon R. Aarons ◽

J. Mark Powell

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Management Practices ◽

Production Systems ◽

Manure Management ◽

Dairy Production ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Use Efficiency

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Biochemical and Genetic Approaches Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereal Crops: A Review

Frontiers in Plant Science ◽

10.3389/fpls.2021.657629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Nitika Sandhu ◽

Mehak Sethi ◽

Aman Kumar ◽

Devpriya Dang ◽

Jasneet Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Crop Production ◽

Management Practices ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Plant Nitrogen ◽

Crop Genetics ◽

Challenging Environment ◽

Essential Nutrient ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

Agricultural Areas

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required in large quantities for the proper growth and development of plants. Nitrogen is the most limiting macronutrient for crop production in most of the world’s agricultural areas. The dynamic nature of nitrogen and its tendency to lose soil and environment systems create a unique and challenging environment for its proper management. Exploiting genetic diversity, developing nutrient efficient novel varieties with better agronomy and crop management practices combined with improved crop genetics have been significant factors behind increased crop production. In this review, we highlight the various biochemical, genetic factors and the regulatory mechanisms controlling the plant nitrogen economy necessary for reducing fertilizer cost and improving nitrogen use efficiency while maintaining an acceptable grain yield.

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Advances in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Genetic Improvement for Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Barley

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10050662 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 662 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sakura D. Karunarathne ◽

Yong Han ◽

Xiao-Qi Zhang ◽

Chengdao Li

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Crop Production ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Management Practices ◽

N Uptake ◽

Production Costs ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

The Impact

Nitrogen (N) fertilization plays an important role in crop production; however, excessive and inefficient use of N fertilizer is a global issue that incurs high production costs, pollutes the environment and increases the emission of greenhouse gases. To overcome these negative consequences, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) would be a key factor for profitable crop production either by increasing yield or reducing fertilizer cost. In contrast to soil and crop management practices, understanding the molecular mechanisms in NUE and developing new varieties with improved NUE is more environmentally and economically friendly. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in understanding and improving nitrogen use efficiency in barley, with perspectives on the impact of N on plant morphology and agronomic performance, NUE and its components such as N uptake and utilization, QTLs and candidate genes controlling NUE, and new strategies for NUE improvement.

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Review: Strategies to increase nitrogen use efficiency of spring barley

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps2011-207 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (4) ◽

pp. 617-625 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Yadeta Anbessa ◽

Patricia Juskiw

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Management Practices ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Spring Barley ◽

Management Strategies ◽

N Fertilization ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

N Nutrition ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

N Management

Anbessa, Y. and Juskiw, P. 2012. Review: Strategies to increase nitrogen use efficiency of spring barley. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 617–625. Improvement in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important to reduce input costs and the negative impact of excessive N on the environment. This review found that barley growers in western Canada have over the years adopted a number of improved N management strategies including soil testing and adjusting rate of N fertilization accordingly, switching from fall application to spring application of N fertilizers, and side-dressing placement of N that gives plant roots easier access to N nutrition. However, it is our opinion that use of variable N rates, choice of N fertilizer type that is less susceptible to losses, and improved manure management are some of the areas where further increase in NUE should be sought. As well, barley germplasms show substantial differences in NUE and genetic selection could increase NUE. Genetic improvement of NUE in barley should be possible both by the traditional breeding approach of crossing and pyramiding NUE genes from across different sources as well as through the development of transgenic barley. The integration of improved N management practices and more efficient cultivars may bring about a significant increase in NUE and ultimately grain yield of barley under the target moderate rate of N application.

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Nitrogen Use Efficiency Definitions of Today and Tomorrow

Frontiers in Plant Science ◽

10.3389/fpls.2021.637108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Kate A. Congreves ◽

Olivia Otchere ◽

Daphnée Ferland ◽

Soudeh Farzadfar ◽

Shanay Williams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Crop Production ◽

Soil N ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Available N ◽

Biological Meaning ◽

Below Ground ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

N Management ◽

N Demand

Crop production has a large impact on the nitrogen (N) cycle, with consequences to climate, environment, and public health. Designing better N management will require indicators that accurately reflect the complexities of N cycling and provide biological meaning. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is an established metric used to benchmark N management. There are numerous approaches to calculate NUE, but it is difficult to find an authoritative resource that collates the various NUE indices and systematically identifies their assets and shortcomings. Furthermore, there is reason to question the usefulness of many traditional NUE formulations, and to consider factors to improve the conceptualization of NUE for future use. As a resource for agricultural researchers and students, here we present a comprehensive list of NUE indices and discuss their functions, strengths, and limitations. We also suggest several factors—which are currently ignored in traditional NUE indices—that will improve the conceptualization of NUE, such as: accounting for a wider range of soil N forms, considering how plants mediate their response to the soil N status, including the below-ground/root N pools, capturing the synchrony between available N and plant N demand, blending agronomic performance with ecosystem functioning, and affirming the biological meaning of NUE.

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ROLE OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN IMPROVING PRODUCTION WATER AND NITROGEN EFFICIENCY OF WHEAT UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

IRAQI JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES ◽

10.36103/ijas.v51i4.1093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 1139-1148

Author(s):

Othman & et al.

Keyword(s):

Crop Rotation ◽

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Research Work ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Nitrogen Efficiency ◽

Research Station ◽

Wheat Varieties ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Use Efficiency

The research work was conducted in Izra’a Research station, which affiliated to the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), during the growing seasons (2016 – 2017; 2017 – 2018), in order to evaluate the response of two durum wheat verities (Douma3 and Cham5) and two bread wheat varieties (Douma4 and Cham6) to Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a full package compared with Conventional Tillage system (CT) under rainfed condition using lentils (Variety Edleb3) in the applied crop rotation. The experiment was laid according to split-split RCBD with three replications. The average of biological yield, grain yield, rainwater use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency was significantly higher during the first growing season, under conservation agriculture in the presence of crop rotation, in the variety Douma3 (7466 kg. ha-1, and 4162kg. ha-1, 19.006 kg ha-1 mm-1, 39.62 kg N m-2respectively). The two varieties Douma3 and Cham6 are considered more responsive to conservation agriculture system in the southern region of Syria, because they recorded the highest grain yields (2561, 2385 kg ha-1 respectively) compared with the other studied varieties (Cham5 and Douma4) (1951 and 1724 kg ha-1 respectively). They also exhibited the highest values of both rainwater and nitrogen use efficiency.

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