A lysimeter study of nitrate leaching, optimum fertilisation rate and growth responses of corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) following soil amendment with water‐saving super‐absorbent polymer

Abstract

Application of SAP at 30 kg ha(-1) plus only half the amount of conventional fertiliser rate (150 kg urea, and 50 kg each of superphosphate and potassium sulfate) would be a more appropriate practice both for minimising nitrate leaching and sustainable corn production under the arid and semiarid conditions of northern China.