Assessment of the presence of nitrates and other chemicals in soil and in maize plants by nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization, with different levels and type of fertilizers, on the agrochemical evolution of the soil superficial horizon and on nitrates levels in maize leaves in different growth stages (5 leaves, flowering and milk maturity). Two type of nitrogen fertilizers (Ammonium nitrate and Urea) and five nitrogen levels (80 kg/ha; 120 kg/ha; 200 kg/ha and 240 kg/ha) were applied in experimental trails. Filed experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) of Suceava, Romania, during years 2021 and 2022. The pH of the soil in the conditions of fertilization with ammonium nitrate, was acid with values between 4.88—4.65 in the first vegetation stages, and between 4.36—4.3 at the end of the vegetation period. Referring to response of maize plant to the fertilization levels and type of fertilizers showed some influences on chemical content of maize leaves in different growth stages. Concerning the presence of nitrates in maize plants, this study showed that the nitrates contents was highest in the first growth stage of maize plants, particularly when ammonium nitrate fertilizer was used.