Optimizing Nitrogen Management in Maize (Zea mays L.) Using Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors

Abstract In conventional agriculture, nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is usually supplied through fertilization. However, nitrogen can be lost through various pathways, significantly affecting soils with distinct compositions. This study focused on examining the effects of split urea application, along with the application of fertilizers containing the nitrification inhibitor 3.4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) at full (100%) and reduced (75%) levels of the standard application rate. Conducted over two years, the field trial aimed to assess the capacity of these treatments to mitigate nitrogen loss and meet the nitrogen requirements of maize effectively. The results of the study revealed that NBPT maintained the required nitrogen levels in the soil by meeting the nitrogen requirement of maize. On the other hand, DMPP caused nitrogen losses due to increasing ammonium levels in the soil during early plant growth stages. NBPT provided the best results in terms of plant yield and nitrogen content, whereas DMPP showed lower performance in these parameters. Reduced NBPT doses increased nitrogen use efficiency but were less effective in terms of yield compared to full doses. According to the result of the economic analysis, split urea treatment gave better results compared to all treatments. In conclusion, NBPT increased both yield and nitrogen use efficiency by providing nitrogen release by the nitrogen requirement of maize.