Abstract:

The objective is to provide data support for balanced fertilization of maize in Gansu Province. The maize in Gansu was use as material, the effects of soil testing and fertilization recommendation (T1), fertigation (T2), and slow/controlled release fertilizer (T3) modes on crop yields and fertilizer use efficiency were compared in field experiments. The results showed that for different fertilization modes, the grain yield of maize was as following: T2>T1>T3. The apparent use efficiency and agronomic efficiency of N, P and K also followed the above order. Compared with T1 treatment, the apparent use efficiency of N, P and K in T2 treatment increased by 28.10%, 46.84%, 15.17%, respectively, and increased by 34.57%, 62.92%, 30.70%, respectively, compared with those of T3 treatment. The agronomic efficiency of N, P and K in T2 treatment had on significant differences with those of T1 treatment, but they were obviously higher than those of T3 treatment. In conclusion, fertigation is the most effective fertilization mode for maize production in Gansu.

Key words: maize, soil testing and fertilization recommendation, fertigation, slow/controlled release fertilizer, fertilizer use efficiency