Nitrogen Vertical Distribution and Status Estimation Using Spectral Data in Maize

Nitrogen (N) is often distributed in a vertical gradient and the symptom of N deficiency usually appears earlier in the lower leaves than in the upper ones. As for hyperspectral technology, identifying the sensitive leaves and the effective index are the two key factors for timely N topdressing. The results of this paper showed that the N contents in the lower leaves produced significant difference among different N rate treatments (a = 0.001) and showed an extremely significant relationship with soil nitrate nitrogen at 30 days after emergence. Taking the optimal treat as a reference, Nitrogen Stress Index (NSI) and Nitrogen Spectral Stress Index (NSSI) of the lowest two leaves could indicate plant N deficiency and guide nitrogen topdressing. NSI or NSSI could change regularly with the nitrogen stress degree and indicate the necessary amount of N topdressing. NSSI is relatively a better indicator since it comes from a fast, timely, uncontaminated, and nondestructive method.