Fertilization depth effect on mechanized direct-seeded winter rapeseed yield and fertilizer use efficiency

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Soil Science

Background:

• Deep fertilization is a proven strategy for boosting crop yield and fertilizer use efficiency.
• Optimal fertilization depth for mechanized direct-seeded rapeseed remains underexplored.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different fertilization depths on mechanized direct-seeded rapeseed.
• To determine the optimal soil depth for fertilizer placement in rapeseed cultivation.
• To evaluate the effects on crop yield, nutrient uptake, and economic benefits.

Main Methods:

• A field experiment was conducted with five treatments: surface broadcast, no fertilization, and banded fertilizer placement at 5 cm (D5), 10 cm (D10), and 15 cm (D15).
• Key growth parameters, yield components, nutrient uptake, and economic returns were measured.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare treatment effects.

Main Results:

• Deep fertilization significantly increased seed yield (11.0%), agronomic efficiency (AE) (22.7%), and recovery efficiency (RE) (79.2%) compared to surface broadcast.
• The 10 cm depth (D10) treatment yielded the highest seed yield, oil yield, fertilizer use efficiency, and economic benefits.
• D10 surpassed D5 and D15 in seed yield (5.4%, 46.0%), oil yield (7.7%, 50.5%), and nutrient recovery efficiencies.

Conclusions:

• A fertilizer placement depth of 10 cm is optimal for mechanized direct-seeded winter rapeseed production.
• This depth maximizes crop growth, yield, nutrient use efficiency, and economic profitability.
• The findings provide valuable guidance for precision agriculture in rapeseed cultivation.