Effects of Replacing Nitrogen Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Maize Yield in Yunnan’s Red Soil

Zhao Liu, Wen Ao, Shenghang Wu (), Qiheng Deng, Hao Ren, Qiang Li, Hao Li and Peng Zhang
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Zhao Liu: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
Wen Ao: Yunnan Fuyuan County Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Qujing 655000, China
Shenghang Wu: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
Qiheng Deng: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
Hao Ren: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
Qiang Li: College of Biological Resources and Food Engineering, QuJing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
Hao Li: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
Peng Zhang: Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Red soil regions commonly experience land degradation and low nutrient availability. Excessive fertilizer use in recent years has intensified these challenges, necessitating scientifically informed fertilization strategies to ensure agricultural sustainability. To identify optimal fertilization strategies for maize cultivation in Yunnan’s red soil regions, this study conducted field experiments involving partial substitution of nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure to determine whether this approach improves soil health and boosts maize yield. Four treatments were compared in a randomized complete block design over one growing season: no fertilization (NF), soil testing and formula fertilization (STF), 15% organic fertilizer (swine manure) replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF15), and 30% organic fertilizer replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF30). The results indicated that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer reduced soil acidification while increasing total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP), thereby enhancing soil physicochemical properties. Maize grown under OF30 exhibited improved agronomic traits including plant height, stem diameter, ear height, and ear length. Additionally, the partial replacement of synthetic fertilizer with organic fertilizer notably increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains, but there was no significant difference ( p < 0.05) between OF15 and OF30. Moreover, the OF30 treatment generated the highest economic return of 25,981.73 CNY·ha −1 . Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer notably influenced total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and yield, with maize yield positively correlated with TP and AP content. This study presents evidence that replacing 30% of nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer is a viable strategy to enhance soil health, maize productivity, and profitability in Yunnan’s red soil regions, providing a crucial scientific foundation to support sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Keywords: organic fertilizer; fertilizer; plateau red soil; sustainable agriculture; economic returns (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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