Nitrogen fertilization methods and crop periods in green corn cultivation

Authors

  • José Manuel dos Passos Lima Department of Soil Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4483-7577
  • Geocleber Gomes de Sousa Rural Development Institute, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro Brasileira, Redenção, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1466-6458
  • Fred Denilson Barbosa da Silva Rural Development Institute, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro Brasileira, Redenção, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6365-6045
  • Marcio Henrique da Costa Freire Departament of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5490-4115
  • Antônio Elves Barreto da Silva Department of Soil Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5593-587X
  • Alexandre Reuber Almeida da Silva Department of Education, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, Iguatu, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9757-7265
  • Leonardo Vieira de Sousa Rural Development Institute, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro Brasileira, Redenção, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5846-3399
  • Alisson Gomes da Silva Rural Development Institute, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro Brasileira, Redenção, CE, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9200-5170

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252025v3812614rc

Keywords:

Zea mays L.. Fertigation. Urea. Semi-arid region.

Abstract

Green corn grown during the dry season in the semi-arid region produces lower ear yields compared to that grown during the rainy season. However, adopting more efficient nitrogen fertilization methods can improve ear yield during the dry season. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen application methods, via fertigation, conventional application, and their combinations, on green corn ear yield during the rainy and dry seasons. We conducted the research under field conditions in two distinct growing seasons (rainy and dry), representing two independent experiments with the same experimental design, carried out at UNILAB in Redenção, Ceará, Brazil. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen application strategies: FF = 100% of the recommended dose via fertigation; FC = 100% via conventional application; FF+FC = 50% via fertigation at the initial growth stage + 50% via conventional application; and FC+FF = 50% via conventional application + 50% via fertigation in topdressing. The FF and FC+FF fertilization methods promoted better agronomic performance in green corn. The rainy season resulted in higher ear yield. During the dry season, the FF method led to the highest ear yield, while in the rainy season, both FF and FC+FF methods resulted in superior green corn yield.

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Published

24-09-2025

Issue

Vol. 38 (2025)

Section

Scientific Article

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