| Popis: |
AimsImproper nutrient management reduces yield and affects the nutrient status of crops. This study aimed at diagnosing nutrient limitation in maize.MethodsA three-year multi-location (348 sites) nutrient experiments were conducted in randomized blocked design to analyse nutrient limitations for maize production under conventional fertilizer recommendation system in Nigeria using DRIS and to identify soil factors that influence DRIS indices using random forest model. DRIS indices for nutrients were calculated from the results of ear leaf samples collected from the experimental plots. The DRIS indices were summed, and used to cluster the plots using k-means cluster algorithmResultsResults show large differences in average yield between the clusters. The clusters also differed based on frequency to which nutrients are most limiting. B was the most limiting in cluster one and three, Mn in cluster two and K in cluster four. Random forest results show that soil pH, B and Mg had the largest influence on DRIS indices in cluster one. DRIS indices were most influenced by soil N and B in cluster two. To lesser extent, soil contents of Fe, K, Mg and S also influenced DRIS indices in cluster two. Soil K, B and Zn were the most significant factors that influenced DRIS indices in cluster four. Bulk Density, Fe, Na, ECEC, and organic carbon had a moderate influence on the indices in this cluster.ConclusionsNutrient limitation in plants can be diagnose using DRIS method. Soil properties have a definite influence on maize nutrient status. |
