Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique
Soliman, M., Elshayeb, M., Moursy, A. (2025). Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique. EKB Journal Management System, 4(1), 183-195. doi: 10.21608/djas.2025.418397
M. Soliman; M. Elshayeb; A. Moursy. "Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique". EKB Journal Management System, 4, 1, 2025, 183-195. doi: 10.21608/djas.2025.418397
Soliman, M., Elshayeb, M., Moursy, A. (2025). 'Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique', EKB Journal Management System, 4(1), pp. 183-195. doi: 10.21608/djas.2025.418397
Soliman, M., Elshayeb, M., Moursy, A. Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 4(1): 183-195. doi: 10.21608/djas.2025.418397

Optimizing Maize Productivity Through Integrated Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies: Insights from the Stable Nitrogen Isotope (15N) Technique

Damietta Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2025, Page 183-195  XML PDF (1.52 MB)
Document Type: Original research papers
DOI: 10.21608/djas.2025.418397
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Authors
M. Soliman1; M. Elshayeb email 2; A. Moursy3
1Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Egypt
2Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, AbouZaabal, Egypt
3Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, AbouZaabal Egypt
Abstract
        Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for maximizing maize productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by soil fertility degradation and water scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrated nitrogen fertilization strategies, combining chemical, organic, and biofertilizers, to enhance maize performance. Field experiments were conducted using a split-split plot design. Chemical nitrogen was applied as 15N-labeled urea, either alone or in combination with organic amendments of plant origin and mixed forms. Biofertilizers, including Nitrobin, Cerealin, and Phosphorin, were also tested. Results indicated that a 75% urea rate significantly improved grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE%) compared to a 50% urea rate. While combining organic compost or biofertilizers with urea slightly reduced grain yield, all treatments involving urea, organic amendments, or bacterial inoculants resulted in substantial yield increases over the untreated control. The 15N-labeled data confirmed that urea was the primary nitrogen source for maize, followed by organic compost and biofertilizers. Among the tested combinations, 75% urea with mixed organic compost and Nitrobin outperformed others, demonstrating its potential as an optimal management practice for improving maize productivity under varying fertilization scenarios.
Keywords
Bioorganic fertilizers; Isotope dilution; Integrated management; NUE; Plant productivity; Soil fertility
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