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Background and aims <p>Precise nitrogen (N) supply is vital to sustainable maize production amid food security challenges. This study aimed to evaluate subsurface drip fertigation (SSDF) for optimizing nitrogen distribution-maintaining the highest concentrations of ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) nitrogen within the active root zone (typically 20–30&#xa0;cm depth) during periods of peak physiological demand, enhancing maize productivity, and reducing environmental risks.</p> Methods <p>A field study was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2022–2023) employing a split-plot design to test SSDF with 0–100% recommended dose of N (RDN) applied in 3–4 splits, combined with greengram residue incorporation. Soil mineral N (NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N) was measured at 0–50&#xa0;cm depths and 0–20&#xa0;cm distance from emitters, along with urease activity and grain yield.</p> Results <p>Subsurface drip fertigation outperformed conventional method (flood irrigated and broadcast fertilizer application), achieving peak NH₄<sup>⁺</sup>-N of 52.7&#xa0;ppm and NO₃<sup>⁻</sup>-N 36.3&#xa0;ppm, respectively, in the 20–30&#xa0;cm layer under the 100% RDN-4S treatment. Applying N-fertilizer in four splits maintained higher mineral N availability across soil depths and crop growth stages than three splits. Residue incorporation increased soil N by 10–13% and urease activity by 11–13% (reaching 13.9&#xa0;µg&#xa0;g⁻<sup>1</sup>&#xa0;h⁻<sup>1</sup>). Furthermore, yields from 75% RDN-4S treatment (6.6 t ha⁻<sup>1</sup>) equaled the 100% RDN-4S (6.7 t ha⁻<sup>1</sup>), achieving 25% N savings. Significant correlations were observed between soil mineral N and yield (r = 0.8–0.85).</p> Conclusion <p>Subsurface drip fertigation optimized nitrogen distribution by concentrating mineral N within the 20–30&#xa0;cm root zone and enabled 25% reduction in N application (75% RDN-4S) while maintaining maize yields equivalent to the full recommended dose. Moreover, integrating four-split applications with residue incorporation enhanced soil N availability and microbial activity, demonstrating the potential of SSDF as a strategy for sustainable maize production.</p>

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Subsurface drip fertigation optimizes nitrogen distribution in soil under maize cultivation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月13日

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  • Arjun Singh,
  • Anchal Dass,
  • Susama Sudhishri,
  • V. K. Singh,
  • R. N. Sahoo,
  • Kapila Shekhawat,
  • Pravin K. Upadhyay,
  • S. S. Rathore,
  • Ayekpam Dollina Devi

摘要

Background and aims

Precise nitrogen (N) supply is vital to sustainable maize production amid food security challenges. This study aimed to evaluate subsurface drip fertigation (SSDF) for optimizing nitrogen distribution-maintaining the highest concentrations of ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) nitrogen within the active root zone (typically 20–30 cm depth) during periods of peak physiological demand, enhancing maize productivity, and reducing environmental risks.

Methods

A field study was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2022–2023) employing a split-plot design to test SSDF with 0–100% recommended dose of N (RDN) applied in 3–4 splits, combined with greengram residue incorporation. Soil mineral N (NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N) was measured at 0–50 cm depths and 0–20 cm distance from emitters, along with urease activity and grain yield.

Results

Subsurface drip fertigation outperformed conventional method (flood irrigated and broadcast fertilizer application), achieving peak NH₄⁺-N of 52.7 ppm and NO₃⁻-N 36.3 ppm, respectively, in the 20–30 cm layer under the 100% RDN-4S treatment. Applying N-fertilizer in four splits maintained higher mineral N availability across soil depths and crop growth stages than three splits. Residue incorporation increased soil N by 10–13% and urease activity by 11–13% (reaching 13.9 µg g⁻1 h⁻1). Furthermore, yields from 75% RDN-4S treatment (6.6 t ha⁻1) equaled the 100% RDN-4S (6.7 t ha⁻1), achieving 25% N savings. Significant correlations were observed between soil mineral N and yield (r = 0.8–0.85).

Conclusion

Subsurface drip fertigation optimized nitrogen distribution by concentrating mineral N within the 20–30 cm root zone and enabled 25% reduction in N application (75% RDN-4S) while maintaining maize yields equivalent to the full recommended dose. Moreover, integrating four-split applications with residue incorporation enhanced soil N availability and microbial activity, demonstrating the potential of SSDF as a strategy for sustainable maize production.