Site-specific nutrient management for maize production in favorable environments of the Philippines

Issue Date

12-2015

Abstract

Increasing the productivity and profitability of maize requires the effective use of nutrients from naturally-occurring indigenous and fertilizer sources to achieve high and sustainable yield. On-farm trials were conducted at key production sites in Isabela, Bukidnon, and Nueva Ecija [Philippines] with one or two hybrid maize crops per year within 2005 to 2007 to develop and evaluate a site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approach for irrigated and favorable rainfed maize in the Philippines. Attainable yields of 7-10 t/ha were obtained in the dry season and 7-8 t/ha in the wet season from treatments supplied with ample fertilizer. Grain yields from omission plots followed the same trends as the attainable yield. Yield response to fertilizer application followed the order N>P=K. Fertilizer recommendations in the SSNM treatment were calculated based on the site-specific attainable yield and yield response to fertilizer application. The SSNM approach increased yield on average by 1.0 t/ha (+21%) compared to the farmer's fertilizer practice (FFP) measured in the same cropping seasons. Yield increase in the SSNM were associated with higher application of fertilizer N (+18%), P (+143%) and K (+135 %). Fertilizer P and K application rates in the SSNM plots accounted for the partial removal of P and K in grain and stover to avoid nutrient depletion in the soil. Fertilizer cost was 55% higher in the SSNM, while profit (gross benefit over fertilizer cost) increased by PhP 5,789/ha sup (+8%) over the FFP.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463X

Volume

40

Issue

3

Page

40-48

Document Type

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Physical Description

illustrations; tables

Language

English

Subject

Corn;

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MAIZE; ZEA MAYS; PLANT PRODUCTION; NUTRITIVE VALUE; CROPPING SYSTEMS; SITE FACTORS; PHILIPPINES

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