Productive response of maize (Zea mays L.) to different nitrate-ammonium ratios in a semi-hydroponic system
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21268807Keywords:
andean floury maize, economic profitability, nitrogen, water use efficiencyAbstract
Introduction: conventional fertilization for maize relies heavily on urea. Once applied to the soil, urea generates nitrate (NO3-), a form that is highly susceptible to leaching, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and ammonia volatilization, which results in low nitrogen use efficiency. The present study was carried out to evaluate the response of Andean floury maize to different nitrate-ammonium ratios (NO3-:NH4+) in terms of grain yield, water use efficiency, and economic returns, specifically in a greenhouse semi-hydroponic system. Objective: the aim was to pinpoint the optimal NO3-:NH4+ ratio within a modified Steiner nutrient solution. Method: the study used a completely randomized design with five NO₃⁻:NH₄⁺ ratios (0:0, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0). Four experimental units (plants) were assigned to each treatment. The variables measured included grain yield (t ha-1), water-use efficiency (g of biomass per liter, g plant-1 L-1), and the benefit/cost ratio. Results: the 50:50 NO3-:NH4+ ratio proved to be the most effective, leading to the highest grain production (2.04 t ha-1) and the greatest water use efficiency (3.18 g plant-1 L-1). Importantly, it was the only treatment to show economic viability, with a benefit/cost ratio of 1.42. Conclusion: the evidence from this trial confirms that a balanced supply of both nitrogen forms is key to enhancing productivity, optimizing water consumption, and improving the profitability of Andean floury maize.
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