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Effects of N fertilizer rate, soil water tension and soil texture on growth and N uptake by maize (Zea mays L.)

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Abstract

Maize was grown at four rates of N (28, 112, 252 and 448 mg pot−1) and basal P and K dressings at three soil water tensions on three soils of contrasting texture for 40 days in a greenhouse during July/August 1978. Water tensions were maintained as nearly as possible at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.08 MPa.

Dry matter yield increased with increase in N rate and decrease in soil water tension. N concentration in the tissue increased with both N rate and increase in soil water tension. Soil water tension had no effect on N uptake, but N uptake increased with increase in N rate. The effect of the interaction of soil water tension and N application rate on dry matter yield was significant. While there was no significant response to moisture tension with the lowest N rate, there was progressively and significantly more response to moisture tension at the higher N application rates.

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Nnoham, O.I., Odurukwe, S.O. Effects of N fertilizer rate, soil water tension and soil texture on growth and N uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). Fertilizer Research 13, 241–254 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066447

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066447

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