Technological sequences for optimization and effective utilization of the nutrition space for maize and soy crops

Elena Partal, Gheorghe Măturaru, Mihaela Cergan

NARDI Fundulea

Keywords: maize, soybean, nutrient-use efficiency, sowing density, fertilization regime, soil structure, crop performance, sustainable agriculture, technological sequences.

Abstract: The study presents a series of technological sequences designed to optimize and effectively utilize the nutrition space in maize and soybean crops. The research was carried out at INCDA Fundulea during the agricultural years 2022–2024 and analyzed the relationship between sowing density, fertilization regime, and soil structure, examining how these factors influence nutrient uptake and crop performance. Over this period, the average maize yield was roughly 4.5 t/ha in 2022 due to strong hydric stress, with a projected recovery to 5.0 t/ha by 2024. Meanwhile, soybean yields in comparative trials during 2023 varied broadly—between 450 kg/ha and 1,5 kg/ha, under dry conditions.  The application of the proposed technologies resulted in a significant improvement in nutrient-use efficiency, increased plant vigor, and higher yields. The findings suggest that integrating these technological sequences can contribute to the development of sustainable and high-performing cropping systems for both maize and soybean.