Authors

Abstract

Liquid fertilizers have gained widespread use owing to their higher nutrient use efficiency, improved nutrient uptake, and reduced environmental impact. However, the agronomic effects of different application methods and rates of liquid fertilizer on maize growth and yield remain insufficiently investigated. This study conducted a two-year field experiment to evaluate the effects of four fertilizer application methods: band application of granular fertilizer (BAGF), mixed hole application of liquid fertilizer (MHALF), side hole application of liquid fertilizer (SHALF), and a control treatment without starter fertilizer (CK). Four liquid fertilizer rates (45, 105, 150, and 300 kg/ha) were tested. The results indicated that the application method plays a critical role in determining maize emergence and early growth. In particular, SHALF at moderate rates (45 and 105 kg/ha) significantly improved emergence rate, dry matter accumulation, and plant height compared with MHALF and BAGF. In contrast, high fertilizer rates (150 and 300 kg/ha) in MHALF treatments negatively affected emergence rate. Fertilizer treatments also had a significant effect on maize yield and its components. The SHALF treatment at a rate of 150 kg/ha resulted in an average yield increase of 4.9% compared with CK. These findings suggest that a moderate rate of SHALF is a practical and effective strategy for improving maize productivity in cold temperate regions.

Abstract in Chinese

液体肥料因其更高的养分利用率、更易吸收和更少的环境影响而被广泛应用。然而，不同施肥方式和施用量对玉米生长和产量的农艺效应仍未得到充分研究。本研究开展了一项为期两年的田间试验，评估了四种施肥方式的影响：颗粒肥条施（BAGF）、液体肥料混合穴施（MHALF）、液体肥料侧深穴施（SHALF）以及不施肥的对照处理（CK）。试验设置了四种施肥量（45、105、150和300 kg/ha）。结果表明，液体肥料的施用方式对玉米出苗和早期生长起着重要作用。与MHALF和BAGF相比，中等施肥量（45和105 kg/ha）的SHALF显著提高了出苗率、干物质质量和株高，相反，MHALF处理中较多的施肥量（150和300 kg/ha）对出苗率有负面影响。施肥处理对玉米产量及其构成因素也有显著影响，在施肥量为150 kg/ha时，SHALF处理平均比CK增产4.9%。这些结果表明， SHALF和中等施肥量是寒温带地区提高玉米产量的有效策略。