Combined effects of reducing nitrogen fertilizer application and drip irrigation on yield and economic benefit of maize production

Wang Jiaqi; Zhang Shuhong; Liu Yanmei; Liu Zhenying; Lin Yingshuo; Fang Tiantian; Wen Guangchao; Hu Zebin; Ren Rongkui

doi:10.13522/j.cnki.ggps.2025046

Abstract：[Objective]Excessive nitrogen application is often adopted by farmers as an insurance practice in maize production in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China,which constitutes a major cause of agricultural non-point source pollution.To optimize nitrogen management,this study explored the combined effects of nitrogen reduction and drip irrigation on maize agronomic traits,yield and economic benefits,aiming to establish a rational nitrogen fertilization strategy for sustainable maize production in this region.[Method]The field experiment consisted of five treatments:conventional fertilization(CK,270 kg/hm2)and irrigation,drip irrigation with conventional nitrogen fertilization(T1),drip irrigation with 15%nitrogen reduction(T2,229.5 kg/hm2),30%nitrogen reduction(T3,190.5 kg/hm2),and 45%nitrogen reduction(T4,148.5 kg/hm2),compared to T1.In each treatment,we measured the agronomic traits,leaf area index,dynamic dry matter accumulation,yield components and economic benefits of the maize at its key growth stages.[Result]Reducing 15%nitrogen application did not have an adverse effect on maize growth and development.However,reducing 30%or more nitrogen application led to significant declines in maize yield,ear length,rows per ear and kernels per row,and notably increased the bare tip length;it also reduced the leaf area index during the middle and late growth stages and dry matter accumulation,compared with T1.Reducing 15%nitrogen application gave the highest net income,81.0-2 433.0 yuan/hm2 higher than other treatments.[Conclusion]Comprehensive analysis showed that reducing nitrogen application from 270 kg/hm2 to 230 kg/hm2 combined with drip irrigation is optimal for maize production in the Huang-Huai-Hai;it increased net income by 792.0 yuan/hm2 compared with conventional nitrogen fertilization and irrigation.