Journal of Agriculture and Horticulture Research(JAHR)
ISSN: 2643-671X | DOI: 10.33140/JAHR
Impact Factor: 1.12
B. A. I. S. L. Bandara
Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata, University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Publications
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Research Article
Model-Assisted Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Maize in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka under Current and Future Climate Scenarios
Author(s): Hashan Uduwawala*, B. A. I. S. L. Bandara, S. H. N. P. De Silva and W. C. P. Egodawatta
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most vital upland cereal and a cornerstone of food security in Sri Lanka. The crop is extensively cultivated in the dry zone, a region highly vulnerable to climate change. Nevertheless, current nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates have not been recently climate-optimized, reducing yield efficiency and increasing environmental impacts. The objectives of this study were to model and optimize N fertilizer rates for maize, under current and future climate conditions for 2050 and 2100 by testing different nitrogen management scenarios by utilizing the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM). Simulations were conducted using 30 years of past climate data from Mahailluppallama local weather station and 2023 IPCC climate projections to test multiple nitrogen management strategies. Results showed that the current Department of Agriculture recommendation of 315-425.. Read More»