Optimizing water and nitrogen management improves maize productivity by regulating root development in the cold semi-arid Songnen plains of Northeast China
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Optimizing water and nitrogen for spring maize in cold semi-arid regions significantly boosts root health and yield. The best strategy involved 80% field capacity and 200 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>, enhancing crop resilience.
Area Of Science
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy
- Plant Physiology
Background
- Water scarcity and high nitrogen (N) fertilizer use impede spring maize root development in cold semi-arid regions (CSR).
- Optimizing water-N management is crucial for enhancing root distribution, nutrient uptake, and crop productivity in these challenging environments.
Purpose Of The Study
- To identify the optimal water-N management strategy for spring maize in CSR.
- To evaluate the effects of different water-N strategies on root physiology and yield performance.
Main Methods
- A two-year field experiment (2020-2021) assessed four N rates (0-300 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and three soil moisture levels (40%, 60%, 80% field capacity).
- Water management utilized TDR-based measurements and supplemental irrigation to maintain target soil moisture levels.
Main Results
- The S3-N200 treatment (80% field capacity, 200 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>) significantly improved plant height, stalk thickness, and root antioxidant enzyme activity.
- This treatment also enhanced nutrient (K<sup>+</sup>, Ca<sup>2+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>) uptake, increased plant hormones (IAA, GAs, Z+ZR), and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to S3-N300.
- Biomass accumulation and grain yield increased by 11.98% and 8.01%, respectively, with water-N interactions explaining over 90% of yield variation.
Conclusions
- The S3-N200 strategy effectively improved root function, stress tolerance, and nutrient utilization in spring maize.
- Optimized water-N management enhances maize growth and yield in CSR, offering a sustainable approach for resilient agriculture.
- This strategy surpasses conventional high-N application without optimized water management in water-limited conditions.
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