BALANCING NITROGEN FOR BETTER MAIZE YIELDS: EVIDENCE FROM FIELD EXPERIMENTS

Nitrogen is the single most important nutrient limiting maize productivity worldwide, yet its mismanagement remains a major cause of low yields, poor nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), rising production costs, and environmental degradation. Balancing Nitrogen for Better Maize Yields: Evidence from Field Experiments presents comprehensive, field-based evidence on how optimized nitrogen rates, fertilizer sources, and maize genotypes can significantly improve crop performance, farm profitability, and sustainability.Drawing on multi-year field experiments conducted under semi-arid and sub-humid conditions of South Asia, this book evaluates the interactive effects of nitrogen levels (50–200 kg N ha⁻¹), fertilizer sources (urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulphate), and maize genotypes (local cultivars and a high-yielding hybrid). The findings demonstrate that balanced nitrogen application—particularly at 100–150 kg N ha⁻¹—maximizes maize growth, dry matter partitioning, yield components, grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and economic returns, while avoiding the diminishing returns and environmental risks associated with excessive nitrogen use.The book highlights the superior performance of hybrid maize under optimized nitrogen management and shows how appropriate fertilizer source selection can enhance yield stability, NUE, and profitability. Economic analyses, including net returns and value–cost ratios, provide practical guidance for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers seeking cost-effective nutrient strategies. Beyond agronomic outcomes, the book links nitrogen management to broader goals of food security, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental protection.Written in an accessible and policy-relevant style, this book is designed for researchers, students, extension professionals, development practitioners, and decision-makers. It offers actionable recommendations for sustainable nitrogen management in maize-based systems and aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG-13 (Climate Action).By integrating agronomy, economics, and sustainability, Balancing Nitrogen for Better Maize Yields provides an evidence-based roadmap for improving maize productivity and farmer livelihoods while safeguarding soil health and the environment. Read more