Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of swine manure composts from different fermentation methods combined with chemical fertilizers on summer maize yield, fertilizer use rate, soil physicochemical properties, aggregate stability, enzyme activities, and NH
3 volatilization losses, with the aim of providing theoretical support for rational fertilization and soil fertility improvement in maize fields of the North China Plain. In 2023, a field experiment using swine manure composts fermented with different methods combined with chemical fertilizers (organic fertilizer∶chemical fertilizer = 25%∶75%) was conducted in maize field at the Science & Education Park of the Henan Agricultural University in Yuanyang County, Henan Province. Six treatments were established: no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (T1), natural composting + chemical fertilizer (T2), water-regulated trough composting + chemical fertilizer (T3), acid-regulated trough composting + chemical fertilizer (T4), and trough composting + chemical fertilizer (T5). Soil samples from 0−20 cm depth were collected at five growth stages of maize: pre-sowing, jointing, bell mouth, filling, and maturity. The analyses included soil pH, contents of ammonium-N, nitrate-N, available phosphorus, available potassium, organic matter, as well as soil bulk density, enzyme activities (urease, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase), aggregate stability, C/N ratio, and NH
3 flux dynamics. Maize yield and fertilizer use rate were determined at maturity. The results showed that, compared with CK and T1, compost-chemical fertilizer combinations significantly increased maize yield, with T4 showing the highest yield (39.90% and 15.71% increase, respectively). All compost treatments enhanced available soil nutrients and organic matter contents while reducing pH and bulk density, with T4 exhibiting optimal effects. Compared to T1, T4 increased 0.25−2 mm and ≤2 mm aggregates proportions by 45.40% and 67.11%, respectively, with 26.47% higher aggregate C/N ratios. Soil enzyme activities peaked in T4, showing 26.76%, 24.80%, and 26.22% increases in urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities versus T1. Compost treatments reduced the peak NH
3 flux and cumulative emissions, with T4 showing the maximum reduction (29.74% and 40.18% lower than T1). T4 improved N, P, and K use rates by 17.28%, 56.64%, and 25.19%, respectively, compared with T1. In conclusion, application of acid-regulated trough compost combined with chemical fertilizers at a 25∶75 ratio effectively enhanced maize productivity, soil nutrients, aggregate structure, C/N ratio, and enzyme activities. It also reduced N losses and improved fertilizer use rate. The results provide both theoretical and practical guidance for sustainable intensification of cropland in the North China Plain.