Efecto del fertirriego nitrogenado en el rendimiento de maíz

Corn (Zea mays) is a C4 summer crop characterized by high efficiency in the use of solar radiation and a considerable capacity to produce biomass. In Uruguay, this crop has gained increasing relevance within agricultural systems, with expansions in cultivated areas and the progressive incorporation of irrigation technologies. In this context, nitrogen emerges as one of the main factors influencing yield determination. In irrigated production systems, this nutrient use efficiency becomes particularly important due to potential losses through volatilization, leaching, and denitrification. Fertigation is therefore proposed as a strategy to optimize nitrogen utilization.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertigation on corn yield, considering nitrogen rate, timing of application, and water regime. The experiment was carried out at the “Dr. Mario A. Cassinoni” Experimental Station (EEMAC), located in Paysandú, during the 2024–2025 growing season. A randomized complete block design was implemented. The evaluation included three levels of nitrogen rate (100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹), two application strategies (a single application at V6 and a split application at V6+V10+V12), and two water regimes (water balance–based irrigation and excess irrigation).

The results revealed that grain yield was mainly determined by nitrogen rate and water regime. Under normal irrigation, no significant differences were observed among rate. However, under excess water conditions, the 100 kg N ha⁻¹ rate resulted in lower yields. The number of grains was the yield component most strongly correlated with productivity. Application timing did not produce difference; nevertheless, split application showed a trend toward slightly higher yields.

In summary, total nitrogen rate applied and water regime represented the main factors determining yield, while split application can be considered an adjustment tool in irrigated corn production.