Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology ›› 2019, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (12): 772-782.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-6362.2019.12.004

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Effect of Integrated Fertilization Level of Water and Fertilizer on Maize Grain Filling and Dehydration Process

FU Jiang-peng, HE Zheng, JIA Biao, LIU Zhi, LI Zhen-zhou, LIU Hui-fang   

  1. School of Agriculture Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
  • Online:2019-12-20 Published:2019-12-16

Abstract: The field experiment of drip irrigation water and fertilizer integration was carried out in Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation District which using the maize variety“Tianci 19”as the material, and six different nitrogen fertilizer levels 0(N0), 90(N1), 180(N2), 270(N3), 360(N4) and 450(N5) kg·ha-1 in 2017 and 2018. The fresh weight of 100 grains of maize was determined, and the grain moisture content was calculated. The grain filling model based on Logistic equation was developed and verified, and the dynamic characteristics of maize grain dehydration were analyzed. To explore the effects of different nitrogen levels on maize grain filling and dehydration process, and the dynamic changes of maize grain filling and water content. The results showed that: (1) the grain filling process of the maize variety “Tianci 19” treated with different nitrogen application levels in 2017 was consistent with Logistic equation under the condition of integrated drip irrigation and water fertilization. The model test results were RMSE=0.203 and R2=0.954 (P<0.01). (2) The grain filling rate of maize kernels in each treatment showed the characteristics of increasing first and then decreasing. The grain filling rate was the highest with 270 kg·ha-1 (N3) during the two-year test period. (3) Nitrogen application increased maize time to maximum grain filling rate (Tmax), maximum grain filling rate (max), growth at maximum grain filling rate (Wmax) and active grain filling stage (T), N3 (270kg·ha-1) treatment shortens the time to maximum grain filling rate (Tmax) and prolongs the active grain filling stage (t3). (4) Logistic equation was used to divide the filling process of nitrogen application into three stages: pyramid stage, fast increase stage and slow increase stage. The grain filling rate was the highest in the fast increase stage and the grain accumulation. (5) Drip irrigation water and fertilizer integration of topdressing nitrogen fertilizer can significantly promote the regulation of maize grain filling and dehydration process. The water content of grain in each treatment showed a monotonous decreasing trend, and the dehydration rate was significantly different in the late stage of physiological maturity. In the two-year experiment, the water content of maize seeds treated with 270 kg·ha-1 nitrogen treatment was lower, and the dehydration rate was faster in the late stage of physiological maturity.

Key words: Drip irrigation water and fertilizer integration, Nitrogen, maize, Grain filling, Grain dehydration