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Effect of Nitrogen Fertiliser Application on Maize Yield Across Agro-Ecological Regions and Soil Types in Zimbabwe: A Meta-analysis Approach

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Abstract

Accurate nitrogen (N) fertilisation increases crop yields and minimises environmental pollution in maize based production systems. In this study we report on a meta-analysis of the effects of N fertilisation on maize yield using observations from 53 studies conducted in Zimbabwe since the 1950s for possible refinement of fertiliser recommendations. We assessed the response of maize to: < 30; 30–100 and > 100 kgN ha−1 compared to the control using the weighted mean yield difference approach. Application of N fertiliser significantly (p < 0.001) increased maize yields by between 0.25 and 1.6 t ha−1 compared to control. These effect sizes increased with N rate and rainfall amount and were higher in the better managed large scale sector than the smallholder sector, but highest (1.527 t ha−1) in loamy soils (20–35% clay) and lowest (0.750 t ha−1) in the sandy soils (< 20% clay). In addition, the effect sizes where mineral N fertilisers were applied were 6.3% higher than those for mineral + organic N fertiliser application due to slow N mineralisation of organic resources. In conclusion, soil hydraulic properties and associated N transformation processes greatly influenced maize yield response calling for optimised application rates and maize growers in Zimbabwe, and similar areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, can substantially increase yields by applying > 100 kgN ha−1 (> 1.5 fold of recommended blanket rate) in mineral form in loam soils under good management in areas that receive 600–1000 mm year−1 rainfall whilst rates of < 30 kgN ha−1 (< 50% of recommended rate) can be relied upon for positive yield response in small holder areas that receive < 600 mm rainfall year−1.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the yield data that we obtained from Mr Brian Nuerashe, the Head of the Agronomy Research Institute in the Department of Research and Specialist Services, Zimbabwe. A special thanks also goes to Mr Emmanuel Chikwari for availing data from the Chemistry and Soil Research Institute reports. Data obtained from the following Research stations sourced from annual reports is also acknowledged: Henderson Research Station; Panmure Research Station; Makoholi Research Station; Matopos Research Station, Chiredzi Research Station, Save Valley Experiment Station, Harare Research station, Gwebi Agricultural College, Mlezu Agricultural College and Chisumbanje Research Station. Data obtained from published journal articles is also acknowledged. We are also grateful to Dr Blessing Masamha for his assistance with statistical analyses.

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  1. Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, P. O. Box 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

    Jephita Gotosa, Jefline Kodzwa & Justice Nyamangara

  2. Department of Natural Resources, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe

    Jephita Gotosa

  3. Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Willis Gwenzi

  4. Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology, P. O. Box 35, Marondera, Zimbabwe

    Justice Nyamangara

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Gotosa, J., Kodzwa, J., Nyamangara, J. et al. Effect of Nitrogen Fertiliser Application on Maize Yield Across Agro-Ecological Regions and Soil Types in Zimbabwe: A Meta-analysis Approach. Int. J. Plant Prod. 13, 251–266 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-019-00045-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-019-00045-9

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