Estimating nitrogen fertiliser requirements in maize grain production

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Abstract
The effect of nitrogen (N) fertiliser on maize grain yield was measured at 42 sites over three seasons.In 20 trials there was no significant increase in grain yield (P<0.05).A single predictive relationship was derived for the N response of maize grain crops across a wide range of climates, crop managements, and soil types.It is therefore possible to predict the increase in grain yield following N fertiliser application, by using the expected yield when a given amount of N is applied in starter fertiliser and the potential yield of each crop.The former parameter can be derived from a relationship established between mineral N determined in soils (0-600 mm) collected in early October (dried at 33°C) and maize grain yield, and the latter from district and farm records.A N response curve can then be estimated for a particular crop.This will considerably improve the precision in optimising N fertiliser applications.