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Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the interactive effect of varying low irrigation limits(55%, 65% and 75% field moisture capacity(Fc)) and nitrogen(N) rates(100, 200 and 300 kg N/ha) on shoot growth and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under alternate partial root zone irrigation in Wuwei, northwest China in 2014. For three N rates, 65%Fc significantly increased crop growth rate, plant height, stem diameter and maximum leaf area index, the biomass and grain yield if compared with 55%Fc, and 75%Fc did it not if compared with 65%Fc; for three low irrigation limits, 200 kg N/ha significantly increased these values if compared with 100 kg N/ha, and 300 kg N/ha did it not if compared with 200 kg N/ha. Increasing N rates significantly increased the biomass and grain yield at 75%Fc but it did not at 55% and 65%Fc, suggesting that an interaction of low irrigation limit and N application occurred on the biomass and grain yield. 75%Fc coupled with 300 kg N/ha achieved the greatest biomass and grain yield. An associated optimum N rate existed for each low irrigation limit, which increased with the increase in the low irrigation limit. Therefore, 200, 200 and 300 kg N/ha is called for 55%, 65% and 75%Fc, respectively in order to improve shoot growth and grain yield of maize under alternate partial root zone irrigation in the arid area.

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