A recent study published in “Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment” sheds light on the effectiveness of split nitrogen applications in maize cultivation, particularly in the sandy soils of Northeast Nebraska. Conducted by Arshdeep Singh from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the research aimed to optimize nitrogen use while addressing concerns about nitrate leaching—a critical environmental issue.
The study explored the effects of varying nitrogen (N) application splits, specifically comparing treatments with two to five splits against a control group with no nitrogen application. Researchers monitored nitrate levels in the soil using porous suction cup lysimeters, collecting data from 23 leaching events throughout a notably dry year, 2021.
Interestingly, the findings revealed that increasing the number of nitrogen splits did not significantly alter the concentration of nitrate in the pore water. However, the leaching levels were notably higher in all nitrogen-split treatments compared to the control, indicating that while nitrogen applications improved maize yield, they also contributed to increased nitrate leaching.
Despite the higher yields and improved nitrogen use efficiency across all treatments, the study concluded that the number of nitrogen splits did not provide additional agronomic, economic, or environmental benefits. Singh noted, “The inclusion of environmental cost reduced the return to nitrogen by $92 to $143 per hectare across all N-split treatments but did not significantly affect the differences among the splits.” This finding suggests that while farmers may see improved crop performance, the environmental costs associated with nitrogen use could diminish the economic returns.
For stakeholders in agriculture, this research highlights the need for careful consideration of nitrogen management strategies. The results suggest that farmers might not need to invest in more complex nitrogen splitting practices to achieve optimal yields, particularly in dry years. Instead, focusing on efficient nitrogen application methods could help mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining productivity.
The implications of this research extend beyond just maize farmers; they resonate with agronomists, environmentalists, and policymakers concerned about sustainable agricultural practices. As the agricultural sector continues to face scrutiny over its environmental footprint, studies like Singh’s provide valuable insights into balancing productivity with ecological responsibility.
