Abstract
The effects of chicken manure and inorganic fertilizer applications on nitrogen and irrigation water use efficiency in forage corn cultivars
This research was conducted to determine the effects of different fertilizer treatments (F1, F2, and F3) on nitrogen and water use efficiency of hybrid corn cultivars (C1, C2, and C3) in the years 2011 and 2012 under the ecological conditions of Eskipazar-Karabuk. In both research years, fertilizer treatments were statistically significant on nitrogen and irrigation water use efficiency. The highest irrigation water and nitrogen use efficiency values were obtained from F2 and F3 fertilizer treatments. The highest nitrogen uptake efficiency values were obtained from F2 fertilizer treatments. As a result of the research, the highest values of nitrogen and irrigation water use efficiency were obtained from F2 and F3 fertilizer treatments in all three corn cultivars (C1, C2, and C3). Integrated use of chemical fertilizer and chicken manure may be a good approach for sustainable production of crops. When we consider the sums paid for the import of inorganic fertilizers and the negative effects of these inorganic fertilizers on human and environmental health, we may see that F3 fertilizer applications would be preferable in the regions where corn is grown.
Keywords
Chicken manure, corn, inorganic fertilizer, nitrogen and irrigation water use efficiency