Nitrogen coated fertilizer with controlled release for the maize crop

Abstract

Maize represents one of the most cultivated crops of cereals in the world, being used as a source of grain, silage and biofuel. Nitrogen is very required in the maize crop, making nitrogen fertilization a significant part of the production cost. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of two sources of N, urea and coated urea of controlled release, regarding the productivity and the cost/benefit ratio in maize for 2nd harvest. The experiment was carried out in the field in soil classified as dystroferric Red Latosol and treatments distributed in experimental plots, following the randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were 40 kg N ha^-1 of common urea; 60 kg N ha^-1 of common urea; 40 kg N ha^-1 of coated urea; 60 kg of N-coated urea and the control without application of N broadcast application in planting. The maize crop responded to the application of nitrogen at planting. However, the use of coated urea did not increase the grain yield in relation to the use of common urea. The economic analysis demonstrated a better efficiency of use of N and the best net revenues with the application of the dose of 40 kg N ha ^-1 of common urea in the planting of the crop.