Effect of Different Fertilization Practices on Yield of a Wheat-Maize Rotation and Soil Fertility

A 15-year field experiment was carried out in Henan Province, China, to study the effects of different fertilization practices on yield of a wheat-maize rotation. Fertilizers tested contained N alone (N), N plus P (NP) or plus P and K (NPK), all with or without manure (M). Different long-term fertilization practices affected the yields under the rotation system of wheat and maize differently and the effects on yields was in a general trend of MNPK>MNP>MN>NPK>NP>M>N>the control. The average contribution rate of soil fertility to the highest yield was 37.9%, and the rest 62.1% came from fertilizer applications. The yield effects of the chemical fertilizers were in the order of N>P>K and were increased by application of manure. Balanced fertilization with multielement chemical fertilizers and manure can be effective in maintaining growth in agricultural production. Combined application of chemical fertilizer and organic manure also increased the content of soil organic matter.