Site-specific nutrient management for maize production in favorable environments of the Philippines
2015
Ocampo, A.M. | Labios, R.V. | Labios, J.D. | Lapoot, C.R. | Tumamang, S.C. | Gines, H.C. | Descalsota, J.C. | Pasuquin, J.M.C. | Witt, C.
Increasing the productivity and profitability of maize requires the effective use of nutrients from naturally-occurring indigenous and fertilizer sources to achieve high and sustainable yield. On-farm trials were conducted at key production sites in Isabela, Bukidnon, and Nueva Ecija [Philippines] with one or two hybrid maize crops per year within 2005 to 2007 to develop and evaluate a site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approach for irrigated and favorable rainfed maize in the Philippines. Attainable yields of 7-10 t/ha were obtained in the dry season and 7-8 t/ha in the wet season from treatments supplied with ample fertilizer. Grain yields from omission plots followed the same trends as the attainable yield. Yield response to fertilizer application followed the order N>P=K. Fertilizer recommendations in the SSNM treatment were calculated based on the site-specific attainable yield and yield response to fertilizer application. The SSNM approach increased yield on average by 1.0 t/ha (+21%) compared to the farmer's fertilizer practice (FFP) measured in the same cropping seasons. Yield increase in the SSNM were associated with higher application of fertilizer N (+18%), P (+143%) and K (+135 %). Fertilizer P and K application rates in the SSNM plots accounted for the partial removal of P and K in grain and stover to avoid nutrient depletion in the soil. Fertilizer cost was 55% higher in the SSNM, while profit (gross benefit over fertilizer cost) increased by PhP 5,789/ha sup (+8%) over the FFP.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by University of the Philippines at Los Baños