Conceptual model of nitrogen fertilization for corn (Zea mays L.) in Veracruz, México

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the conceptual fertilization model to generate nitrogen doses in maize in the humid tropics of Mexico. This method consisted of evaluating the balance between crop nitrogen demand (P1) minus soil nitrogen supply (P2) and fertilizer efficiency (P3). Four treatments with two varieties (VS-536 and V-537 C with and without fertilizer) were used in three locations in the central zone of Veracruz, Mexico, in the locations of Jamapa, Paso Real and El Rincón. The results showed that P1 was statistically superior to the unfertilized, in P2 there was no significant statistical difference and P3 was less than 50% in the three locations. The nitrogen doses estimated with the conceptual model were different in the three locations (Jamapa 85, Rincón 55, and Paso Real, 72 kg N ha^-1) compared to the applied dose (150 kg N ha^-1), representing an overfertilization of 44%, 64% and 52%, respectively. It was concluded that this model allowed generating adequate doses of nitrogen in less time and with less investment.