Nutrient Composition Analysis of Maize Hybrids Affected by Different Nitrogen Fertilisation Systems

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Plant Nutrition

Background:

• Maize is a globally significant crop with diverse agricultural applications.
• Understanding nutrient management is crucial for optimizing maize yield and quality.
• Nitrogen supply acts as an abiotic stressor, influencing nutrient interactions in maize.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying nitrogen supplies on maize nutrient acquisition and partitioning.
• To determine the relationship between essential nutrients and their effects on dry matter and protein content.
• To identify optimal NPK fertilizer rates for maximizing quantitative and qualitative maize yield.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment conducted at the Látókép Crop Production Experimental Station, Hungary.
• Utilized three mid-ripening maize hybrids with different FAO numbers.
• Examined the effects of nitrogen application rates (120-300 kg ha^-1) and NPK fertilization versus a control.

Main Results:

• NPK application significantly increased dry matter (DM) in all maize tissues compared to the control.
• Nitrogen application rates above 120 kg ha^-1 showed no significant effect on DM or protein content.
• Highest protein content was achieved with 120 kg ha^-1 nitrogen; seeds and leaves showed maximum zinc and manganese content relative to protein.
• Dry matter positively correlated with nitrogen, potassium, and manganese; negatively with nickel.

Conclusions:

• A NPK fertilizer rate of 120 kg ha^-1 N is recommended for optimal quantitative and qualitative maize yield.
• Excessive nitrogen application beyond 120 kg ha^-1 does not yield further benefits for dry matter or protein.
• Nutrient interactions, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and manganese, are key to enhancing maize productivity.