Please wait a minute...
Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2023, Vol. 22 Issue (2): 417-433    DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2022.08.074
Crop Science Advanced Online Publication | Current Issue | Archive | Adv Search |

Nitrogen management improves lodging resistance and production in maize (Zea mays L.) at a high plant density

Irshad AHMAD1, 2*, Maksat BATYRBEK1*, Khushnuma IKRAM3, Shakeel AHMAD1, Muhammad KAMRAN2, Misbah3, Raham Sher KHAN3, HOU Fu-jiang2, HAN Qing-fang1

1 Key Laboratory of Crop Physio-Ecology and Tillage Science in North-Western Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, P.R.China

2 State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education/College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, P.R.China

3 Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan

Download:  PDF in ScienceDirect  
Export:  BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)      
摘要  在世界范围内,玉米倒伏导致产量损失严重。为探究氮肥管理对高密植下夏玉米产量和倒伏能力的影响,我们设置了二因素的大田试验。因素一为施氮量:传统施氮R300 kg ha-1)、优化施氮O225 kg ha-1因素二为氮肥分施模式:N1,50%氮肥为底肥+50%氮肥在玉米十叶期追肥N2,100%肥为底肥N3,40%氮肥为底肥+40%氮肥在玉米十叶期追肥+20%氮肥在抽穗期追肥N4,30%氮肥为底肥+30%氮肥玉米十叶期追肥+20%氮肥在抽穗期追肥+20%氮肥在吐丝期。通过测定玉米茎秆性状、木质素含量、根系生长、倒伏率和密植产量,结果发现,优化施氮(225 kg ha-1)显著降低了玉米节间长度、株高、穗高、重心高度和倒伏率,显著提高了玉米的节间直径、填充度、茎秆机械强度、根系生长和木质素含量。分四次施用氮肥(N4)显著改善了茎秆形态特征、茎秆的机械强度、木质素含量、促进了根系生长,减少节间长度、株高、穗高、植株重心高度和倒伏率同时,结果显示玉米茎秆的节间直径、填充度、秆的机械强度、木质素含量、根数量、根系直径、根体积、根干重、玉米产量与株高、穗高、重心高、节间长度和倒伏率呈显著负相关。综上所述,优化施氮量配合氮肥4次分施(ON4)处理通过改善茎秆形态特征、茎秆机械强度、木质素含量、根系生长,显著降低了倒伏率,并提高高密植下的玉米产量




Abstract  

Lodging in maize leads to yield losses worldwide.  In this study, we determined the effects of traditional and optimized nitrogen management strategies on culm morphological characteristics, culm mechanical strength, lignin content, root growth, lodging percentage and production in maize at a high plant density.  We compared a traditional nitrogen (N) application rate of 300 kg ha–1 (R) and an optimized N application rate of 225 kg ha–1 (O) under four N application modes: 50% of N applied at sowing and 50% at the 10th-leaf stage (N1); 100% of N applied at sowing (N2); 40% of N applied at sowing, 40% at the 10th-leaf stage and 20% at tasseling stage (N3); and 30% of N applied at sowing, 30% at the 10th-leaf stage, 20% at the tasseling stage, and 20% at the silking stage (N4).  The optimized N rate (225 kg ha–1) significantly reduced internode lengths, plant height, ear height, center of gravity height and lodging percentage.  The optimized N rate significantly increased internode diameters, filling degrees, culm mechanical strength, root growth and lignin content.  The application of N in four split doses (N4) significantly improved culm morphological characteristics, culm mechanical strength, lignin content, and root growth, while it reduced internode lengths, plant height, ear height, center of gravity height and lodging percentage.  Internode diameters, filling degrees, culm mechanical strength, lignin content, number and diameter of brace roots, root volume, root dry weight, bleeding safe and grain yield were significantly negatively correlated with plant height, ear height, center of gravity height, internode lengths and lodging percentage.  In conclusion, treatment ON4 significantly reduced the lodging percentage by improving the culm morphological characteristics, culm mechanical strength, lignin content, and root growth, so it improved the production of the maize crop at a high plant density.

Keywords:  dense plant density       lodging resistance       maize       nitrogen rates       nitrogen application modes  
Received: 01 November 2021   Accepted: 24 January 2022
Fund: 

This work was supported by projects funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M663837 and 2021M701521), the National High-Tech Research and Development Programs of China (2013AA102902), and the special fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest, China (201303104).

About author:  Correspondence Irshad Ahmad, E-mail: irshad@lzu.edu.cn; HOU Fu-jiang, E-mail: cyhoufj@lzu.edu.cn; HAN Qing-fang, E-mail: hanqf88@nwafu.edu.cn * These authors contributed equally to this study.

Cite this article: 

Irshad AHMAD, Maksat BATYRBEK, Khushnuma IKRAM, Shakeel AHMAD, Muhammad KAMRAN, Misbah, Raham Sher KHAN, HOU Fu-jiang, HAN Qing-fang. 2023.

Nitrogen management improves lodging resistance and production in maize (Zea mays L.) at a high plant density . Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 22(2): 417-433.

Ahmad I, Ahmad S, Kamran M, Yang X N, Hou F J, Yang B P, Ding R X, Liu T, Han Q F. 2021a. Uniconazole and nitrogen fertilization trigger photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence, and delay leaf senescence in maize at a high population density. Photosynthetica, 59, 192–202. 
Ahmad I, Ahmad S, Yang X N, Meng X P, Yang B P, Liu T, Han Q F. 2021b. Effect of uniconazole and nitrogen levels on lodging resistance and yield potential of maize under medium and high plant density. Plant Biology, 23, 485–496.
Ahmad I, Kamran M, Ali S, Bilegjargal B, Cai T, Ahmad S, Meng X P, Su W N, Liu T, Han Q F. 2018. Uniconazole application strategies to improve lignin biosynthesis, lodging resistance and production of maize in semiarid regions. Field Crops Research, 222, 66–77.
Ahmad I, Meng X P, Kamran M, Ali S, Ahmad S, Liu T, Cai T, Han Q F. 2020. Effects of uniconazole with or without micronutrient on the lignin biosynthesis, lodging resistance, and winter wheat production in semiarid regions. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 19, 62–77.
Berry P, Sterling M, Spink J, Baker C, Sylvester-Bradley R, Mooney S, Tams A, Ennos A. 2004. Understanding and reducing lodging in cereals. Advances in Agronomy, 84, 217–271.
Berry P M, Spink J. 2012. Predicting yield losses caused by lodging in wheat. Field Crops Research, 137, 19–26.
Bian D H, Jia G P, Cai L J, Ma Z Y, Eneji A E, Cui Y H. 2016. Effects of tillage practices on root characteristics and root lodging resistance of maize. Field Crops Research, 185, 89–96.
Carter P, Hudelson K. 1988. Influence of simulated wind lodging on corn growth and grain yield. Journal of Production Agriculture, 1, 295–299.
Chen S H, Chen H L, Shen X S, Wang C T, Zhang Y L, Liu D H. 2012. Effects of planting density and nitrogen application on yield and lodging of mechanized sowing summer maize. Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 25, 85–88. (in Chinese)
Chen X G, Wang J, Wang Z L, Li W Y, Wang C Y, Yan S H, Li H M, Zhang A J, Tang Z H, Wei M. 2018. Optimized nitrogen fertilizer application mode increased culms lignin accumulation and lodging resistance in culms of winter wheat. Field Crops Research, 228, 31–38. 
Cui Z L, Chen X P, Li J L, Xu J F, Shi L W, Zhang F S. 2006. Effect of N fertilization on grain yield of winter wheat and apparent N losses. Pedosphere, 16, 806–812.
Feng G, Huang C, Xing J. 2008. The research progress in lodging resistance of maize. Crops, 4, 12–14. (in Chinese)
Gou L, Huang J, Zhang B, Li T, Sun R, Zhao M. 2007. Effects of population density on stalk lodging resistant mechanism and agronomic characteristics of maize. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 40, 199–204. (in Chinese)
Gou L, Huang J J, Sun R, Ding Z S, Dong Z Q, Zhao M. 2010. Variation characteristic of stalk penetration strength of maize with different density-tolerance varieties. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 26, 156–162. (in Chinese)
Guo Y, Hu Y M, Chen H, Yan P S, Du Q G, Wang Y F, Wang H Q, Wang Z H, Kang D M, Li W X. 2021. Identification of traits and genes associated with lodging resistance in maize. The Crop Journal, 9, 1408–1417.
Guo Y Q, Zhu Y L, Liu K, Pei J, Zhao B, Zhang J W. 2016. Effects of water-potassium interaction on stalk structure and function of high-yield summer maize. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 27, 143–149. (in Chinese)
Hébert Y, Guingo E, Loudet O. 2001. The response of root/shoot partitioning and root morphology to light reduction in maize genotypes. Crop Science, 41, 363–371.
Huang J J, Zhao M, Liu J, Gou L. 2009. Study on dry matter accumulation, distribution and yield traits of maize varieties differ in lodging resistant ability. Journal of Maize Sciences, 17, 82–88. (in Chinese)
Hussain S, Ting L, Nasir I, Brestic M, Ting P, Mumtaz M, Shafiq I, Li S X, Wang L, Gao Y, Khan A, Ahmad I, Allakhverdiev S I, Liu W G, Yang W Y. 2020. Effects of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, sucrose and monosaccharide carbohydrates on soybean physical stem strength and yield in intercropping. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 19, 462–472.
Kamara A Y, Kling J G, Menkir A, Ibikunle O. 2003. Association of vertical root-pulling resistance with root lodging and grain yield in selected S1 maize lines derived from a tropical low-nitrogen population. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 189, 129–135.
Kamran M, Ahmad I, Wang H Q, Wu X R, Xu J, Tiening L, Ding R X, Han Q F. 2018. Mepiquat chloride application increases lodging resistance of maize by enhancing stem physical strength and lignin biosynthesis. Field Crops Research, 224, 148–159.
Li B, Gao F, Ren B Z, Dong S T, Liu P, Zhao B, Zhang J W. 2021. Lignin metabolism regulates lodging resistance of maize hybrids under varying planting density. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 20, 2077–2089.
Li H, Li L, Wegenast T, Longin C F, Xu X, Melchinger A E, Chen S. 2010. Effect of N supply on stalk quality in maize hybrids. Field Crops Research, 118, 208–214.
Li K, Wang H, Hu X, Liu Z, Wu Y, Huang C. 2016. Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of stalk cell wall components in maize. PLoS ONE, 11, e0158906. 
Li S Y, Ma W, Peng J Y, Chen Z M. 2015. Study on yield loss of summer maize due to lodging at the big flare stage and grain filling stage. Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 19, 3952–3964. (in Chinese)
Li Z X, Chen Y Q, Wang Q C, Liu K C, Gao W S, Sui P. 2012. Influence of planting density on root spatio-temporal distribution of different types of maize under high-yielding cultivation conditions. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 38, 1286–1294. (in Chinese)
Liu S, Song F, Liu F, Zhu X, Xu H. 2012. Effect of planting density on root lodging resistance and its relationship to nodal root growth characteristics in maize (Zea mays L.). Journal of Agricultural Science, 4, 182–189.
Liu X M, Gu W R, Li C F, Li J, Wei S. 2021. Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and chemical regulation on spring maize lodging characteristics, grain filling and yield formation under high planting density in Heilongjiang Province, China. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 20, 511–526.
López-Malvar A, Ordás B, Souto C, Encina A, Malvar R A, Santiago R. 2017. Chemical changes during maize tissue aging and its relationship with Mediterranean corn borer resistance. Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, 65, 9180–9185.
Ma B L, Zheng Z, Pageau D, Vera C, Fregeau-Reid J, Xue A, Yan W. 2017. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, yield and agronomic traits of oat cultivars as affected by fertilizer N rates under diverse environments. Nutrinet Cycling in Agroecosystem, 108, 245–265.
Manga-Robles A, Santiago R, Malvar R A, Moreno-González V, Fornalé S, López I, Luz Centeno M, Acebes J L, Álvarez J M, Caparros-Ruiz D, Encina A, García-Angulo P. 2021. Elucidating compositional factors of maize cell walls contributing to stalk strength and lodging resistance. Plant Science, 307, 110882.
Meng X P, Guo Z Y, Yang X N, Su W N, Li Z M, Wu X R, Ahmad I, Cai T, Han Q F. 2021. Straw incorporation helps inhibit nitrogen leaching in maize season to increase yield and efficiency in the Loess Plateau of China. Soil & Tillage Research, 211, 105006.
Ming B, Xie R, Hou P, Li L, Wang K, Li S. 2017. Changes of maize planting density in China. Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 50, 1960–1972. (in Chinese)
Novacek M J, Mason S C, Galusha T D, Yaseen M. 2013. Twin rows minimally impact irrigated maize yield, morphology, and lodging. Agronomy Journal, 105, 268–276.
Sekhon R S, Joyner C N, Ackerman A J, McMahan C S, Cook D D, Robertson D J. 2020. Stalk bending strength is strongly associated with maize stalk lodging incidence across multiple environments. Field Crops Research, 249, 107737.
Shi J, Drummond B J, Habben J E, Brugire N, Weers B P, Hakimi S M, Lafitte H R, Schussler J R, Mo H, Beatty M, Zastrow-Hayes G, O’Neill D. 2019. Ectopic expression of ARGOS8 reveals a role for ethylene in root-lodging resistance in maize. The Plant Journal, 97, 378–390.
Sposaro M M, Chimenti C A, Hall A J. 2008. Root lodging in sunflower. Variations in anchorage strength across genotypes, soil types, crop population densities and crop developmental stages. Field Crops Research, 106, 179–186.
Stam P. 1992. Root morphology of maize and its relationship to root lodging. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 168, 113–118.
Su W, Ahmad S, Ahmad I, Han Q F. 2020. Nitrogen fertilization affects maize grain yield through regulating nitrogen uptake, radiation and water use efficiency, photosynthesis and root distribution. PeerJ, 8, e10291.
 Subedi K D, Ma B L, Xue A. 2007. Planting date and nitrogen amendment effects on grain yield and protein content of spring wheat. Crop Science, 47, 36–44.
Tian Z M, Huang Z H, Chen J X, Shi B L, Wei D, Qu W J, Li H. 2016. Effects of planting density on lodging resistance and yield of three erectophile maize varieties. Journal of Maize Sciences, 24, 83–88. (in Chinese)
Wang C, Hu D, Liu X, She H, Ruan R, Yang H, Yi Z, Wu D. 2015. Effects of uniconazole on the lignin metabolism and lodging resistance of culm in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.). Field Crops Research, 180, 46–53.
Wu P, Liu F, Li H, Cai T, Zhang P, Jia Z K. 2021. Suitable fertilizer application depth can increase nitrogen use efficiency and maize yield by reducing gaseous nitrogen losses. Science of the Total Environment, 781, 146787.
Wu W, Ma B L. 2015. Integrated nutrient management (INM) for sustaining crop productivity and reducing environmental impact: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 512, 415–427.
Wu W, Ma B L. 2018. Assessment of canola crop lodging under elevated temperatures for adaptation to climate change. Agricultural & Forest Meteorology, 248, 329–338.
Wu W, Ma B L, Fan J J, Sun M, Yi Y, Guo W S, Voldeng H D. 2019. Management of nitrogen fertilization to balance reducing lodging risk and increasing yield and protein content in spring wheat. Field Crops Research, 241, 107584.
Xu C, Gao Y, Tian B, Ren J, Meng Q F, Wang P. 2017. Effects of EDAH, a novel plant growth regulator, on mechanical strength, stalk vascular bundles and grain yield of summer maize at high densities. Field Crops Research, 200, 71–79. 
Xu Y, Wang Y, Ma X, Liu X, Zhang P, Cai T, Jia Z K. 2020. Ridge-furrow mulching system and supplementary irrigation can reduce the greenhouse gas emission intensity. Science of the Total Environment, 717, 137262.
Xue J, Gao S, Fan Y, Li L, Ming B, Wang K, Xie R, Hou P, Li S. 2020. Traits of plant morphology, stalk mechanical strength, and biomass accumulation in the selection of lodging-resistant maize cultivars. European Journal of Agronomy, 117, 126073.
Xue J, Gou L, Zhao Y, Yao M, Yao H, Tian J, Zhang W. 2016. Effects of light intensity within the canopy on maize lodging. Field Crops Research, 188, 133–141.
Yuan Z H, Li Y D, Chen H S. 2002. Dynamic model and lodging resistance analysis of maize stem. Journal of Maize Sciences, 3, 74–75. (in Chinese)
Zhang P, Yan Y, Gu S C, Wang Y Y, Xu C L, Sheng D C, Li Y B, Wang P, Huang S B. 2022. Lodging resistance in maize: A function of root–shoot interaction. European Journal of Agronomy, 132, 126393.  
Zheng M J, Chen J, Shi Y H, Wang Z L, Li Y. 2017. Manipulation of lignin metabolism by plant densities and its relationship with lodging resistance in wheat. Scientific Reports, 7, 41805.

[1] GAO Xing, LI Yong-xiang, YANG Ming-tao, LI Chun-hui, SONG Yan-chun, WANG Tian-yu, LI Yu, SHI Yun-su. Changes in grain-filling characteristics of single-cross maize hybrids released in China from 1964 to 2014[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(3): 691-700.
[2] XU Xiao-hui, LI Wen-lan, YANG Shu-ke, ZHU Xiang-zhen, SUN Hong-wei, LI Fan, LU Xing-bo, CUI Jin-jie. Identification, evolution, expression and protein interaction analysis of genes encoding B-box zinc-finger proteins in maize[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(2): 371-388.
[3] CHEN Zhe, REN Wei, YI Xia, LI Qiang, CAI Hong-guang, Farhan ALI, YUAN Li-xing, MI Guo-hua, PAN Qing-chun, CHEN Fan-jun. Local nitrogen application increases maize post-silking nitrogen uptake of responsive genotypes via enhanced deep root growth[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(1): 235-250.
[4] LI Teng, ZHANG Xue-peng, LIU Qing, LIU Jin, CHEN Yuan-quan, SUI Peng. Yield penalty of maize (Zea mays L.) under heat stress in different growth stages: A review[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(9): 2465-2476.
[5] GAO Ri-xin, HU Ming-jian, ZHAO Hai-ming, LAI Jin-sheng, SONG Wei-bin.

Genetic dissection of ear-related traits using immortalized F2 population in maize [J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(9): 2492-2507.

[6] SANG Zhi-qin, ZHANG Zhan-qin, YANG Yu-xin, LI Zhi-wei, LIU Xiao-gang, XU Yunbi, LI Wei-hua. Heterosis and heterotic patterns of maize germplasm revealed by a multiple-hybrid population under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(9): 2477-2491.
[7] HAN Yu-ling, GUO Dong, MA Wei, GE Jun-zhu, LI Xiang-ling, Ali Noor MEHMOOD, ZHAO Ming, ZHOU Bao-yuan. Strip deep rotary tillage combined with controlled-release urea improves the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of maize in the North China Plain[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(9): 2559-2576.
[8] MA Da-ling, XIE Rui-zhi, YU Xiao-fang, LI Shao-kun, GAO Ju-lin. Historical trends in maize morphology from the 1950s to the 2010s in China[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(8): 2159-2167.
[9] HUI Jing, LIU Zhi, DUAN Feng-ying, ZHAO Yang, LI Xue-lian, AN Xia, WU Xiang-yu, YUAN Li-xing. Ammonium-dependent regulation of ammonium transporter ZmAMT1s expression conferred by glutamine levels in roots of maize[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(8): 2413-2421.
[10] TIAN Xue-liang, LIU Jia-jia, LIU Quan-cheng, XIA Xin-yao, PENG Yong, Alejandra I. HUERTA, YAN Jian-bing, LI Hui, LIU Wen-de. The effects of soil properties, cropping systems and geographic location on soil prokaryotic communities in four maize production regions across China [J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(7): 2145-2157.
[11] XU Chen-chen, ZHANG Ping, WANG Yuan-yuan, LUO Ning, TIAN Bei-jing, LIU Xi-wei, WANG Pu, HUANG Shou-bing. Grain yield and grain moisture associations with leaf, stem and root characteristics in maize[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(7): 1941-1951.
[12] ZHENG Ben-chuan, ZHOU Ying, CHEN Ping, ZHANG Xiao-na, DU Qing, YANG Huan, WANG Xiao-chun, YANG Feng, XIAO Te, LI Long, YANG Wen-yu, YONG Tai-wen. Maizelegume intercropping promote N uptake through changing the root spatial distribution, legume nodulation capacity, and soil N availability[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(6): 1755-1771.
[13] HUI Fang, XIE Zi-wen, LI Hai-gang, GUO Yan, LI Bao-guo, LIU Yun-ling, MA Yun-tao. Image-based root phenotyping for field-grown crops: An example under maize/soybean intercropping[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(6): 1606-1619.
[14] YANG Yue, MA Yu-ting, LIU Yang-yang, Demar LYLE, LI Dong-dong, WANG Ping-xi, XU Jia-liang, ZHEN Si-han, LU Jia-wen, PENG Yun-ling, CUI Yu, FU Jun-jie, DU Wan-li, ZHANG Hong-wei, WANG Jian-hua. Dissecting the genetic basis of maize deep-sowing tolerance by combining association mapping and gene expression analysis[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(5): 1266-1277.
[15] LI Wen-qian, HAN Ming-ming, PANG Dang-wei, CHEN Jin, WANG Yuan-yuan, DONG He-he, CHANG Yong-lan, JIN Min, LUO Yong-li, LI Yong, WANG Zhen-lin. Characteristics of lodging resistance of high-yield winter wheat as affected by nitrogen rate and irrigation managements[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(5): 1290-1309.
No Suggested Reading articles found!