Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilization Input on <i>Zea mays</i> L. Cultivation through the Biological Inhibition of Nitrification

Abstract

Introduction: Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is the most widely used fertilizer (300 - 350 Kg/Ha) on the corn plant, mean while it has mobile character, so it becomes the lowest utilization (40% - 50%) compared to other nutrient elements. Aims: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of various qualities and dose of litter on the dynamics of N mineral soil and soil nitrification potential on maize cultivation system. Method: The treatment is set by Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). Four kinds of litter is chosen to represent the groups of low quality (Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus indicus) and the groups of high quality (Oryza sativa and Eupatorium inulifolium) are given on four doses: 4, 8, 12 and 16 mg/Ha. All treatments are fertilized with urea 150 kg/Ha. Variables measured include the soil concentration of NH 4 - and NO 3 - , potential nitrification conducted in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after planting the corn. Result: The research shows that the addition of low-quality litter is influenced very significantly by release of NH 4 - , formation of NO 3 - and potential nitrification of soil. Others results show that the content of litter (lignin, polyphenol and C/N ratio) has the most powerful influence as regulator of NH 4 - released (p < 0.01), the formation of NO 3 - (p < 0.01) and potential nitrification of soil (p < 0.01) rather than the content of lignin, polyphenol and C/N ratio of litter separately. Conclusion: The conclusion of this research is that the management of litter quality input can be applied in the field to regulate the process of nitrification in soil and potential to increase N used efficiency of corn plant.