Nutrient balance in maize cropping systems and challenges for their sustainability
Abstract Introduction: Nutrition management in the maize crop in Guanajuato, Mexico, is based on mineral fertilization, with high doses of nitrogen and reduced application of phosphorus and potassium. Objective: To diagnose the management of mineral nutrition and residues from the maize cropping system, and identify opportunities for their efficient use. Methodology: 68 maize farmers from the municipalities of Salvatierra and Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato, were surveyed. Plot soils were sampled, and yield, nutrient concentration and C mineralization were estimated. With the data obtained, graphs of the balance of N, P, K and C were made. Results: Nutrition management and biomass production varied among farmers. Currently, P and K are not limiting factors, unlike N, since the soil only contributes 11 % of the total available nitrogen. Residue management showed that there is an imbalance between soil C mineralization and the incorporation of residues. Study limitations: The analysis focused on only one agricultural cycle. Originality: The focus of the study, including the graphical analysis, is scarcely applied in the region’s maize farming systems. Conclusions: An integral vision is required for the management of organo-mineral nutrition and residues to contribute to their efficient and sustainable use.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universidad Autónoma Chapingo
2019
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2007-40262019000200097 |
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