MAIZE GRAIN YIELD UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN APPLICATION VARIANTS IN THE GROWING CONDITIONS OF SOUTH ROMANIA

Abstract

The current climatic changes require the farmers to optimize nitrogen fertilization according to the specific growing conditions of their crops. Choosing the right fertilizer product, rate, time and method of application are essential decisions for farmers. In this context, the aim of this paper is to present the obtained results regarding the maize grain yields at different application method of the nitrogen fraction applied in the vegetation period of the maize plants and at different nitrogen rate split variants under the specific growing conditions of South Romania. The research was carried out in field experiments located in South Romania (44o22’ N latitude and 26o89’ E longitude), under rainfed conditions in the years 2022 and 2023. The experimental factors were the following: Factor A – application method of the nitrogen fraction applied in the vegetation period of the maize plants (incorporated with the mechanical weeding and surface broadcast); Factor B – nitrogen rate split in two applications with 6 ratios. The obtained results brought attention to the positive effects of the nitrogen rate split between the crop establishment and vegetation period of the maize plants compared to the application of the entire rate at the crop establishment, the split ratio being according to the year climatic conditions.