Summary
This field experiment, conducted over two consecutive kharif seasons (2022–2023) at Anand Agricultural University's Main Maize Research Station in Gujarat, India, evaluated the effect of individual nutrient omissions on post-harvest soil fertility in maize cultivation. Using a nutrient omission trial design, the study aimed to identify the most limiting macro and micronutrients for maize production in the region by measuring residual soil nutrient levels after harvest. The findings are likely to offer practical guidance on targeted fertilisation strategies to maintain soil fertility and optimise maize yield under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions of central Gujarat.
UK applicability
This study was conducted under the semi-arid, tropical conditions of Gujarat, India, with relevance primarily to smallholder maize systems in South Asia. Whilst the nutrient omission methodology has broad scientific validity, the specific nutrient limitations and soil types identified are unlikely to translate directly to UK arable conditions, though the diagnostic approach may inform soil fertility assessment frameworks applicable in the UK.
Key measures
Post-harvest soil macro and micronutrient concentrations (mg/kg or kg/ha); soil fertility indices under nutrient omission treatments; relative plant growth response to nutrient omission
Outcomes reported
The study measured post-harvest soil macro and micronutrient concentrations following seasons in which individual nutrients were omitted from fertilisation regimes. It assessed which nutrients were most limiting to maize growth by comparing soil nutrient status across omission treatments against a complete nutrient control.
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