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 with one or two hybrid maize crops per year within 2005 to 2007 to develop and favorable rainfed maize in the Philippines. Attainable yields of 7-10 t haˉ¹ were obtained in the dry season and 7-8 t haˉ¹ 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 haˉ¹ (+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 ˉ¹ (+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

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

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