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Nitrogen Residual Effect of Winter Cover Crops on Maize in Uruguay: Conventional and Isotopic Evaluation

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Mori Alvez

    (Soil and Water Department, Agronomy College, University of the Republic, Av. Garzon 780, Montevideo 12900, Uruguay)

  • Carlos Perdomo Varela

    (Soil and Water Department, Agronomy College, University of the Republic, Av. Garzon 780, Montevideo 12900, Uruguay)

  • Amabelia del Pino Machado

    (Soil and Water Department, Agronomy College, University of the Republic, Av. Garzon 780, Montevideo 12900, Uruguay)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nitrogen (N) residual effects of winter cover crops (CCs) on soil N availability and corn ( Zea mays L.) performance over two growing seasons and at two sites in Uruguay. Both conventional and isotopic methods were used to assess the N residual effects of two legume monocultures, a legume–grass mixture, an oat monoculture, and a control without CCs. The experimental design was a randomized block with split plots, where CCs were applied to main plots and N rates (0 and 100 kg ha⁻ 1 ) to subplots. An isotopic trial with 15 N was included to measure fertilizer N use efficiency (NUE). Results varied between sites: at Site 1, legume monocultures enhanced soil N availability and, along with N rate, significantly increased corn yield and N uptake. At Site 2, only the N rate affected these variables. Site 1 had a low crop 15 N recovery, averaging 9.5% due to weeds and heavy rainfall, while Site 2 showed higher recovery, notably when corn succeeded lupine (35%) and mixture CCs (40%). The soil’s top layer and corn grain showed the highest 15 N concentration. The study suggests that specific CC combinations tailored to site conditions may optimize corn yield and NUE.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Mori Alvez & Carlos Perdomo Varela & Amabelia del Pino Machado, 2024. "Nitrogen Residual Effect of Winter Cover Crops on Maize in Uruguay: Conventional and Isotopic Evaluation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-27, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:12:p:2123-:d:1527724
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pravia, M. Virginia & Kemanian, Armen R. & Terra, José A. & Shi, Yuning & Macedo, Ignacio & Goslee, Sarah, 2019. "Soil carbon saturation, productivity, and carbon and nitrogen cycling in crop-pasture rotations," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 13-22.
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