Optimizing yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency in fodder maize through precision N-management
Abstract Fodder maize, recognized for high biomass production and palatability, exhibits significant responsiveness to nitrogen (N). Precise N-management is essential for producing high-quality fodder, enhancing N use efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts. Given this, a field experiment w...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07232-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Fodder maize, recognized for high biomass production and palatability, exhibits significant responsiveness to nitrogen (N). Precise N-management is essential for producing high-quality fodder, enhancing N use efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts. Given this, a field experiment was carried out in winter 2021 and 2022 with primary goal of optimizing N levels to enhance the quality, productivity, and efficiency of N use in fodder maize. The research uses a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and fourteen treatments that highlight N management utilizing Leaf Color Chart (LCC) and SPAD meter. Green forage (44.65 t/ha), dry matter (11.21 t/ha), crude protein yield (0.85 t/ha), total ash yield (1.15 t/ha), hemicellulose (32.6%), and organic matter yield (10.10 t/ha) were all significantly increased by applying 150 kg N ha−1 (40% basal (B) + 60% @ SPAD value 50). Economically, this treatment proved to be highly beneficial, recording the highest net monetary returns of Rs. 57,788 per hectare with a benefit–cost ratio of 2.91, indicated a substantial return on fodder production investment. On the other hand, the application of 100 kg of N/ha (40% basal (B) + 60% @ LCC value of 5) showed the highest agronomic efficiency of N (217.2 kg green fodder / kg N). Therefore, application of 150 kg N/ha using SPAD value 50 was the most efficient rate in converting N input into green fodder yield, making it an effective strategy for N management for fodder maize production. |
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| ISSN: | 3004-9261 |