Nitrogen Fertilization Modulates Soil Microbial Biomass and Plant Nutrient Dynamics in Maize
Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, cilt.62, sa.3, ss.683-692, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 62 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.21162/pakjas/25.782
- Dergi Adı: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.683-692
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Maize yield, microbial activity, nutrient uptake, soil health, sustainable agriculture
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on plant nutrients and soil microbial biomass in maize were investigated over three years of field trials in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Compared to the control group, N fertilization increased maize yields by 46.5% and enhanced nutrient uptake. Significant increases were observed in phosphorus by 12.3%, potassium by 7.5%, magnesium by 22.5%, zinc by 41.4%, manganese by 13.5%, and copper by 40.4% in maize leaves. Although iron levels varied across the three years, fertilized plots consistently had higher iron levels than control plots. There were no changes in carbon, sulfur, or boron levels. The impact of N fertilization on soil microbial biomass varied between years, influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall. In the first year, under heavy rainfall conditions, N fertilization increased microbial activity at all growth stages. In the second year, the positive effects of fertilization were most noticeable during the harvest period. By the third year, no significant differences in microbial biomass were observed between fertilized and control plots. Overall, N fertilization significantly influenced both maize nutrient uptake and soil microbial biomass in maize cultivation.