Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of swine manure composts from different fermentation methods combined with chemical fertilizers on summer maize yield, fertilizer use efficiency, soil physicochemical properties, aggregate stability, enzyme activities, and NH3 volatilization losses, aiming to provide theoretical support for rational fertilization and soil fertility improvement in North China Plain maize fields. In 2023, a field experiment with different swine manure composting methods combined with chemical fertilizers (organic fertilizer∶chemical fertilizer = 25%∶75%) was conducted at the Science & Education Park of 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: pre-sowing, jointing, bell mouth, filling, and maturity stages. Analysis included soil pH, ammonium-N, nitrate-N, available phosphorus, available potassium, organic matter content, bulk density, urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities, aggregate stability, C/N ratio, and NH
3 flux dynamics. Maize yield and fertilizer use efficiency were determined at maturity. Results showed that compared with CK and T1, compost-fertilizer combinations significantly increased maize yield, with T4 showing the highest yield (39.9% and 15.7% increases respectively). All compost treatments enhanced soil available nutrients and organic matter while reducing pH and bulk density, with T4 exhibiting optimal effects. Compared to T1, T4 increased 0.25-2 mm and ≤2 mm aggregate 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%, 24.89%, and 26.15% increases in urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities versus T1. Compost treatments reduced peak NH
3 flux and cumulative emissions by 27.44% and 30.15% compared to T1, with T4 showing maximum reduction (23.52%, 20.99%, and 20.51% lower than T2-T5). T4 improved N, P, and K use efficiencies by 23.52%, 20.99%, and 20.51% respectively versus T1. In conclusion, acid-regulated trough compost combined with chemical fertilizers at 25%:75% ratio effectively enhances maize productivity, soil nutrients, aggregate structure, C/N ratio, and enzyme activities while reducing N losses and improving fertilizer efficiency, providing both theoretical and practical guidance for sustainable intensification in North China Plain croplands.