Geophysical field zoning for nitrogen fertilization in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

The current social context requires an increase in food production, improvement of its quality characteristics and greater environmental sustainability in the management of agricultural systems. Technological innovation plays a great role in making agriculture more efficient and sustainable. One of the main aims of precision farming (PF) is optimizing yield and its quality, while minimizing environmental impacts and improving the efficient use of resources. Variable rate techniques (VRT) are amongst the main management options for PF, and they require spatial information. This work incorporates maps of soil properties from low induction electromagnetic measurements into nitrogen (N) balance calculations for a field application of VRT nitrogen fertilization of (Triticum durum Desf., var. Tirex). The trial was conducted in 2018-19 at Genzano di Lucania (PZ, Italy) geologically located on the clayey hillsides of the Bradanica pit and the Sant'Arcangelo basin. Three soil homogeneous areas were detected through low induction electromagnetic measurements and used as uniform management zones. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied by VRT was calculated on the base of estimated crop nitrogen uptake and soil characteristics of each homogeneous area. Crop response to VRT was compared to uniform nitrogen application (UA) on the whole field. The application of VRT resulted in a reduction of 25% nitrogen fertilizer with the same level of yield respect to UA. Grain protein content, as well as gluten content and N content, were significantly higher in VRT than in UA. As a consequence of lower nitrogen input and higher levels of N removal, VRT reached a higher nitrogen use efficiency than UA, and this indicates a lower environmental impact and a higher economic profitability.

Automated summary

The current social context emphasizes the need for increased food production, improved quality, and sustainable agricultural systems. Technological innovation, such as precision farming and variable rate techniques, can contribute to achieving these goals. This study incorporated soil property maps into nitrogen balance calculations for variable rate nitrogen fertilization of durum wheat. The results showed that variable rate techniques reduced nitrogen fertilizer use by 25%, while maintaining the same level of yield. Additionally, the crop response to variable rate application showed higher grain protein content and improved nitrogen use efficiency, indicating lower environmental impact and higher economic profitability.