FERTILIZER PLACEMENT TO MAIZE

In three years of field trials and under two different climatic condit ions, the effect of broadcast nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization be fore sowing on maize was compared with different kinds of nitrogen and phosphorus placement on the basis of equal nutrient amounts (sideband placement of diammonium-phosphate [DAP] plus different split applicat ions of nitrogen or in combination with the use of nitrogen fertilizer s containing nitrification inhibitors). The most effective combination on the basis of yield and proceeds (fertilizer expenses deducted) was a ''broadcast placement of ammonium-nitrate-lime and triple-phosphate before sowing together with a side band placement of DAP''. A further differentiation concerning nitrogen source or split application on th e heavy soils of the trial sites showed disadvantages in yield and pro ceeds.