EFFECT OF AMMONIUM FERTILIZATION BY CULTAN METHOD ON DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION AND DYNAMICS OF NITROGEN UPTAKE BY MAIZE

O. Sedlar, K. Kubesova, L. Peklova, J. Balik

Abstract: The aim of this trial was to assess the influence of nitrogenous fertilization by CULTAN (Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition) method on the dynamics of above-ground biomass dry matter accumulation, dynamics of nitrogen reception and the content of macro elements in all plants in the phase BBCH 89 (fully ripe) of maize (Zea mays L.) in the Czech Republic conditions. In three-year small-plot field trial, two methods of nitrogen fertilization were used: conventional surface fertilization with calcium ammonium nitrate before sowing and local fertilization injection by the vegetation height of 20 cm by CUL TAN method. By local application of ammonium ion, saturated space with diffusional gradient is created in the soil – so called depot, in which the ammonium ion is stable, but in an acceptable form for plants. Plants fertilized by this method reached comparable or slightly higher contents of dry matter. No positive effect of CUL TAN method was proved on the occurrence of maize diseases. There was, however, a positive effect of adding sulphur into the fertilizer on the uptake of nitrogen in early phases of the maize development, by injection fertilized treatment. The contents of macro elements (P, S, Ca, Mg, K) in the whole plants in the phase BB CH 89 were comparable between conventional and CUL TAN treatments, and at the station with lower precipitation there was a higher content of Ca and K.

Keywords: calcium; CULTAN depot; injection; nitrification; phosphorus

Date published: 2019-04-19