Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 79-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 80 Sarwar et al., 2023). These practices aim to improve soil health, increase nutrient availability, and enhance the overall resilience of the cropping system. Studies have shown that IAP can significantly increase maize grain yield and NUE, particularly in fields with varying soil fertility levels (Zhou et al., 2019). For example, the application of biochar in combination with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers has been found to boost dry matter production, grain yield, and nutrient uptake in maize (Sarwar et al., 2023). Similarly, the use of diazotrophic bacteria and residual Zn fertilization has been shown to improve Zn use efficiency and grain biofortification (Jalal et al., 2022). By integrating these practices, farmers can achieve higher productivity, sustainability, and profitability in maize cultivation (Bhandari et al., 2021; Sarwar et al., 2023). In conclusion, the adoption of integrated agronomic practices holds great potential for addressing the challenges of maize cultivation, particularly in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and achieving sustainable yield improvements. This study aims to explore the impact of various IAP strategies on maize yield and nutrient use efficiency, drawing insights from recent research findings. 2 Integrated Agronomic Practices (IAP) 2.1 Definition and components of IAP Integrated Agronomic Practices (IAP) refer to a holistic approach to crop management that combines various agronomic techniques to optimize crop yield and nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The components of IAP typically include optimal planting density, split fertilizer application, subsoiling tillage, and the use of biochar and other organic amendments. These practices are designed to enhance soil fertility, improve plant health, and increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake by crops (Zhou et al., 2019; Sailaza et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2020; Sarwar et al., 2023). 2.2 Historical development and adoption of IAP in maize cultivation The concept of IAP has evolved over the years as researchers and farmers have sought more sustainable and efficient ways to increase crop productivity. Initially, agronomic practices were often applied in isolation, but the limitations of this approach led to the development of integrated strategies. For instance, the combination of optimal planting density and split fertilizer application has been shown to significantly increase maize yield and NUE under various soil fertility conditions (Zhou et al., 2019). Similarly, the integration of biochar with partial doses of inorganic fertilizers has been found to improve dry matter production and grain yield in maize-wheat cropping systems (Sarwar et al., 2023). 2.3 Adoption of IAP in maize cultivation The adoption of IAP in maize cultivation has been driven by the need to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. Studies have shown that IAP can lead to substantial increases in maize grain yield and NUE. For example, IAP increased maize grain yield by 25%-37% and improved various NUE metrics compared to traditional farming practices (Zhou et al., 2019). Additionally, integrated nutrient management practices, including the use of farmyard manure and biofertilizers, have been found to be effective in improving maize growth and yield (Sailaza et al., 2020). The adoption of IAP has also been influenced by the need to address environmental concerns, such as reducing nitrogen loss and improving nitrogen balance in cropping systems (Liu et al., 2020). The development and adoption of IAP in maize cultivation have been driven by the need to improve crop yield, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainability. The integration of various agronomic practices has proven to be an effective strategy for achieving these goals. 3 Impact of IAP on Maize Yield 3.1 Yield improvements with IAP Integrated Agronomic Practices (IAP) have been shown to significantly enhance maize yield across various studies. For instance, IAP strategies that include optimal planting density, split fertilizer application, and subsoiling tillage have demonstrated yield increases of 25% and 28% in low soil fertility fields and 36% and 37% in high soil fertility fields over two growing seasons (Zhou et al., 2019). Similarly, the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) combined with farmyard manure (FYM) and biofertilizer consortium resulted in better growth and yield of maize compared to other nutrient management practices3. Additionally,
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