Awaad, M.S. G. F. El-Shiekh and S. E. M. Elsisi( 2014). Effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers on maize plants grown on new reclaimed soilFayoum J. Agric. Res. & Dev., Vol. 29, No.2, July, 2014
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in summer season of 2009 at a private farm, with loamy sand soil located at El-Sadat district, Minufiya Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the effect of urea+hmic acid as well as ureaform, as a slow release nitrogen fertilizer applied at the rates of 60 and 100 kg fed-1 compared to urea at rate of 120 kg fed-1 on the yield, some yield components and nutrients uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) (Single-cross 10) grown on a sandy soil.
Obtained results indicated that ear length, plant height, shoot and grain yields and biological yield were significantly higher with the application of ureaform at rate of 100 kg N/fed followed by urea at rate of 100 kg N/fed + humic acid. Application of ureaform at high rate (100 kg/fed) increased the values of nitrogen uptake by shoots, grain and both shoot and grain of maize plant. While urea at high rate + humic acid induced the influence of the highest values of both phosphorus and potassium uptake for the same components. Results indicated also that, maize plants received urea+humic acid or ureaform had the highest values of fertilizer use efficiency, i.e., the highest ratio of agronomic efficiency (34.67) and physiological efficiency (106.07) were obtained the application of 60 kg N/fed urea+humic acid, while ureaform at the rate of 100 kg N/fed resulted in the highest value of apparent N recovery percent (48.34%). Results of this work emphasized the beneficial effects of the slow release fertilizer urea form followed by urea + humic acid in comparison with urea on maize plant growth, yield, yield components and nitrogen recovery percentage.
Keywords: (Slow release fertilizers, Sandy soils, Maize yield, Efficiency>)
