Document Type : Original research papers
Authors
1
Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Egypt
2
Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, AbouZaabal, Egypt
3
Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, AbouZaabal Egypt
Abstract
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for maximizing maize productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by soil fertility degradation and water scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrated nitrogen fertilization strategies, combining chemical, organic, and biofertilizers, to enhance maize performance. Field experiments were conducted using a split-split plot design. Chemical nitrogen was applied as 15N-labeled urea, either alone or in combination with organic amendments of plant origin and mixed forms. Biofertilizers, including Nitrobin, Cerealin, and Phosphorin, were also tested. Results indicated that a 75% urea rate significantly improved grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE%) compared to a 50% urea rate. While combining organic compost or biofertilizers with urea slightly reduced grain yield, all treatments involving urea, organic amendments, or bacterial inoculants resulted in substantial yield increases over the untreated control. The 15N-labeled data confirmed that urea was the primary nitrogen source for maize, followed by organic compost and biofertilizers. Among the tested combinations, 75% urea with mixed organic compost and Nitrobin outperformed others, demonstrating its potential as an optimal management practice for improving maize productivity under varying fertilization scenarios.
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