Summary
This field trial used 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate to track nitrogen fate in an irrigated maize crop, evaluating whether the nitrification inhibitor DMPSA could improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce losses. The study quantified nitrogen partitioning between crop uptake, soil pools, and atmospheric/hydrological losses under irrigated conditions. As suggested by the experimental design, DMPSA application influenced nitrification dynamics and may have altered the balance of nitrogen loss pathways, though specific efficacy depends on irrigation timing and soil conditions.
UK applicability
Direct applicability to UK maize production is limited, as irrigation is less common and soil conditions differ markedly from Spain. However, findings on nitrification inhibitor mechanisms may inform temperate cereal production strategies, particularly if irrigation becomes more prevalent under future climate scenarios or in targeted cropping regions.
Key measures
15N isotopic tracing, nitrogen recovery in crop biomass, soil mineral nitrogen, nitrification rates, denitrification/volatilisation losses
Outcomes reported
The study tracked the fate of 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate in irrigated maize crops, comparing nitrogen recovery, losses, and soil dynamics with and without the nitrification inhibitor DMPSA. It measured nitrogen uptake by the crop, soil residual nitrogen, and gaseous nitrogen losses under different treatment regimes.
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