Evaluating the Effect of Amount and Split Application of Nitrogen in Furrow Fertigation of Corn on the Water and Fertilizer Use Efficiency

Fertigation is an effective method to increase water and fertilizer use efficiencies. In present study, a field experiment was carried out factorially in a randomized complete block design with four replicates to evaluate the effects of furrow fertigation on water and fertilizer use efficiencies, yield and yield components of corn. Six fertigation treatments combining two fertilizer split levels (3 and 4 splits) and three levels of urea fertilizer (60, 80 and 100% of required fertilizer) were compared with broadcast fertilization. The results showed that application of nitrogen in four splits, provided more grain yield. Besides, by consuming low fertilizer in the fertigation treatments due to broadcast fertilization method, water and fertilizer use efficiencies were increased. The highest grain yield and water use efficiency were achieved in the three split treatment with 100% level, while there were no significant differences of grain yield and water use efficiency between this treatment and the four split treatment with 60% level. Therefore, by applying 60 percent of required fertilizer in four splits, while achieving optimal performance, the level of environmental pollution will be reduced.