Design and testing of an intermittent fertilisation method for seeding of maize (Zea mays)

The fertiliser that is applied between maize (Zea mays L.) plants via furrow application cannot be completely absorbed and used because of the wide planting space, resulting in fertiliser wastage and soil pollution. To address this issue, we proposed an intermittent fertilisation method for single maize plant seeding, and designed a fertilisation device that can control the intermittent timing and duration of fertiliser application. A simple indoor bench test was done to verify the feasibility of the device. A synchronised control model of the seed and fertiliser was also established. Thus, a quantitative precision intermittent fertilisation system for a single maize plant was developed. The technique was integrated and applied in a current mainstream quantitative precision seeder and fertiliser feeder for maize in field trials. The trial results showed that the average centre distance between the seed and the fertiliser was 5–8 cm and the qualification rate was >90%. The effective length of fertilisation was about one-third of plant spacing, and the largest coefficient of variation was 12.37%. In conclusion, the present quantitative precision interval fertilisation system can feed and apply fertiliser to the predetermined fertiliser site of maize plants, realising the ‘one seed and one fertiliser’ seeding and fertilisation mode, which reduced the fertiliser application amount and increased the fertiliser utilisation rate.