In order to evaluate the nitrogen recovery by maize, following a surface application of urea, a trial was carried out during 1993/94 under field conditions, on a dark red latosol (oxisol). A randomized complete block statistical design was used, with seven treatments and five replications. The seven treatments were: control (no N); three split N applications (50 kg N ha-1 urea at 38 and 60 days after sowing) using 10, 20 or 40 cm width strips; two single N applications (100 kg N ha-1 urea at 38 days after sowing) using 10 or 40 cm width strips; and split N applications (50 kg N ha-1 urea at 38 and 60 days after sowing) using a 20 cm width strip (granular urea). The top dressing that was applied at two growth stages in 10, 20 or 40 cm width strips did not affect dry matter production, content, amount and recovery of N in the corn plant. Only when one urea application was made, the recovery of N from the corn plant was larger for the 10 cm of width in relation to 40 cm. The split application increased significantly dry matter production, content, amount and recovery of N in the corn plant in one single application.
Zea mays; nitrogen; urea; width-strip application