Optimizing Maize Productivity and Soil Fertility: Insights from Tillage, Nitrogen Management, and Hydrochar Applications
Author(s)
Date Issued
2024
Type
article
Volume
13
Issue
8
Start Page
1329
Journal
Abstract
Enhancing soil fertility and maize productivity is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This
study aimed to evaluate the effects of tillage practices, nitrogen management strategies, and acidified
hydrochar on soil fertility and maize productivity. The experiment used a randomized complete block
design with split-split plot arrangement and four replications. Main plots received shallow tillage
and deep tillage. Subplots were treated with nitrogen (120 kg ha−1) from farmyard manure (FYM)
and urea, including control, 33% FYM + 67% urea (MU), and 80% FYM + 20% urea (MF). Acidified
hydrochar treatments H0 (no hydrochar) and H1 (with hydrochar, 2 t ha−1) were applied to sub-sub
plots. Deep tillage significantly increased plant height, biological yield, grain yield, ear length,
grains ear−1, thousand-grain weight, and nitrogen content compared to shallow tillage. MU and MF
improved growth parameters and yield over the control. Hydrochar effects varied; H1 enhanced
yield components and soil properties such as soil organic matter and nitrogen availability compared
to H0. Canonical discriminant analysis linked deep tillage and MU/MF nitrogen management
with improved yield and soil characteristics. In conclusion, deep tillage combined with integrated
nitrogen management enhances maize productivity and soil properties. These findings highlight the
importance of selecting appropriate tillage and nitrogen strategies for sustainable maize production
along with hydrochar addition. These insights guide policymakers, agronomists, and agricultural
extension services in adopting evidence-based strategies for sustainable agriculture, enhancing
food production, and mitigating environmental impacts. The implication of this study suggests to
undertake long-term application of hydrochar for further clarification and validation.
Subjects