Effects of fused and blended fertilizers on maize yield and soil properties

Abstract

The deficiency of secondary and micronutrients negatively affects plant metabolic functions and reduces crop yields. These nutrients are applied in small quantities (<10 kg ha−1) and are physically blended or chemically fused with primary nutrients to enhance uniformity of application. A 3-yr study (2012–2014) was conducted to evaluate the effects of fall or spring-applied fertilizer N with or without P and N–P fertilizers containing S and Zn (blended or fused) on soil properties, leaf chlorophyll, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Nebraska. Response variables were measured for additional 2 yr (2015–2016; residual years [RYs]). Soil Mehlich-3 P was low (14 mg kg−1) at the onset of the experiment and adding P increased grain yield by 10% compared with N only treatment in 2013–2015. Grain yields were similar in treatments with S and Zn fused (9.7–12.4 Mg ha−1) or blended (9.7–12.2 Mg ha−1) in all years (2012–2016). A yield benefit of adding S and Zn was recorded only 1 yr (2015: the first RY) (12.3 and 11.6 Mg ha−1 in NP treatments with and without S and Zn). Except for 2012, all fertilized treatments had greater yields than the control in 2013–2016. The 2012 was a dry year, where yield was low across the treatments (1.6–2.1 Mg ha−1) suggesting minimal benefits of adding primary nutrients (N, P), let alone S or Zn, when moisture is limiting. It is warranted that blended and fused fertilizers are evaluated under specific conditions where soils are deficient in constituent nutrients.