Nitrogen Use Efficiency – Plant population x row spacing x nitrogen interaction (Kerang)

2020

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Damian Jones
Ben Morris
Nick Poole
Tom Price
Year(s) 2020
Contributor Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Trial location(s) Kerang, VIC
Nitrogen Use Efficiency – Plant population x row spacing x nitrogen interaction (Kerang) locations
Aims

To evaluate the influence of plant population, row spacing and nitrogen rate on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), dry matter production, grain yield and harvest index in grain maize.

Key messages
  • Grain yield was significantly higher in the narrower row spacing (500mm) at both high and low plant populations (nominally 85,000 v 106,000 plants/ha) (Caution different harvest methods were engaged for logistical reasons – see note below).
  • Overall grain yield average in the trial was 16.53 t/ha.
  • Total crop biomass (dry matter) at maturity was similar across all treatments suggesting narrower row spacing combined with lower plant population significantly improved harvest index and therefore grain yield.
  • Of the three components (row spacing, plant population and N rate), N rate (either 300 or 450kg N/ha) had minimal influence on the yield and biomass results, since the lower rate of 300 kg N/ha met the N requirement of yield (already established 240N optimum N rate-see Trial 2).
  • Row spacing and plant population did interact in the analysis of the trial data, making the assessment of the contribution of these factors difficult.
  • Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was greatest with narrow rows, low population and 300N at 16.15kg N applied for each tonne of grain produced and 25.57kg N/t if 188kg N/ha soil supply was added to fertiliser applied (see Trial 2)
Lead research organisation Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Host research organisation Field Applied Research (FAR) Australia
Trial funding source GRDC FAR1906-003RTX
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Irrigated Cropping Council
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Maize
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Sowing: Rate
  • Sowing: Row Spacing
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated,Blocked

Kerang 2020

Sow rate or Target density 85,000 plants/ha, 106,000 plants/ha at 500 and 750 mm row spacing
Sow date 3 November 2020
Harvest date 20 May 2021
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Please find treatment information in Table 1 on the first page of the attached trial report.

Other trial notes

Previous Crop: grass dominant pasture (3 years)
Variety: Pioneer Hybrid 1756
Irrigation Type: Border check irrigation

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Kerang, VIC Grey clay
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Kerang, VIC Vertosol
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Kerang VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2020 trial report



Trial last modified: 17-03-2022 09:58am AEST