Assessing the Impact of Coated and Prilled Urea Fertilizers on Nitrogen Dynamics and Fodder Maize Yield in Alfisols

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of different urea fertilizers on nitrogen mineralization, leaching losses, and growth, yield of fodder maize in Alfisols. Nitrogen is vital for plant growth but deficient in soils. Urea, a widespread nitrogen fertilizer, suffers from significant losses, prompting the development of controlled-release urea (CRU) fertilizers. This study assesses various urea formulations with coated urea and prilled urea. Laboratory incubation studies show that coated urea exhibits slower NH4+-N release, reducing losses and improving efficiency compared to uncoated urea. Nitrate content increases steadily periodically with coated urea, potentially enhancing nitrogen availability to plants. Greenhouse experiments reveal significant differences in plant height, leaf number, and leaf area among treatments. Coated urea formulations, chiefly CSPC @3%, demonstrate superior growth parameters (plant height-169.56cm, number of leaves-10.33 and leaf area-1850.59), yield (green fodder-328.25 gplant-1, dry fodder-198.61 gplant-1 and dry matter percentage-54.52) and quality parameters (crude protein-4.03, total ash content-3.82%) compared to prilled urea growth parameters (plant height-113.38cm, number of leaves-8.07 and leaf area-1670.98), yield (green fodder-246.26 gplant-1, dry fodder-116.35 gplant-1 and dry matter percentage-44.32) and quality parameters (crude protein-2.88, total ash content-2.75%), likely due to sustained nitrogen release. Higher nitrogen availability from coated urea leads to increased forage yield and quality. The findings suggest that coated urea fertilizers, specially CSPC @3% advocate improved nitrogen management, enhancing fodder maize productivity and sustainability.