Evaluating crop nitrogen status in maize leaves: A predictive modelling approach using chlorophyll fluorescence parameters
Xiangzeng Meng,
Shan Zhang,
Lichun Wang,
Yang Yu,
Sijia Duan,
Yixiang Zhang,
Yanjie Lv,
Yongjun Wang
Affiliations
Xiangzeng Meng
Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China; College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng St, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, PR China
Shan Zhang
Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China; College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng St, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, PR China
Lichun Wang
Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China; College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng St, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, PR China
Yang Yu
Jilin Provincial Agricultural Investment Land Resources Development Co. Ltd., 3777, Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China
Sijia Duan
Jilin Provincial Agricultural Investment Land Resources Development Co. Ltd., 3777, Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China
Yixiang Zhang
Jilin Provincial Agricultural Investment Land Resources Development Co. Ltd., 3777, Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China
Yanjie Lv
Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China; College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng St, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, PR China; Corresponding author. Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China.
Yongjun Wang
Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China; College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng St, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, PR China; Corresponding author. Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1363 Shengtai St, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, PR China.
The consumption of chemical fertilizers has increased eight-fold since the 19th century, outstripping crop yields increases and, emphasizing the need for precise nitrogen (N) assessment in crops to optimize fertilization and mitigate environmental impacts. This study developed a model using chlorophyll fluorescence technology to accurately evaluate the N status in maize leaves while addressing the limitations of current labor-intensive and environmentally sensitive methods. Based on a long-term experiment initiated in 2011, maize hybrid Fumin 985 was sampled in 2021 and 2022 under two crop-straw management strategies (SM: no tillage with surface straw mulch, SP: plough tillage with straw incorporation) and six N application rates. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were formulated using chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (ChlF) to assess leaf N content (N leaf). The results indicated that a N application rate of 270 kg ha−1 sufficed to meet crop N requirements. Leaf characteristics such as N leaf, total pigment content (TP), and leaf dry weight (DW leaf) changed significantly with increasing N application rates, influencing rapid chlorophyll fluorescence (OJIP) dynamics. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced ChlF from 35 to 21, and four models were developed, among which, the model using ChlF and TP was more accurate than the model using DW alone. Key ChlF parameters for PLSR model performance included ABS/RC, φ(Eo), ETo/CSm, and δ(Ro)/(1–δ(Ro)). Although non-destructive N leaf detection using chlorophyll fluorescence technology proved feasible, additional leaf characteristics, such as TP, are necessary to improve model accuracy. Considering local field conditions is essential for the application of this technology at a larger scale. Precise evaluation of N status using chlorophyll fluorescence is beneficial for a more efficient N management and sustainable agriculture.
