Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 79-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 89 Economic Benefits: The adoption of IAP led to higher net returns and economic efficiency. For example, the use of biochar and partial doses of inorganic fertilizers in a maize-wheat cropping system resulted in higher system productivity and profitability compared to conventional practices (Sarwar et al., 2023). Environmental Benefits: IAP practices reduced environmental costs by minimizing nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions. The use of conservation agriculture and precision nutrient management further enhanced water use efficiency and reduced the environmental footprint of maize production (Jat et al., 2018). In conclusion, the case study demonstrates that integrated agronomic practices can significantly enhance maize yield and nutrient use efficiency while promoting soil health and sustainability. The successful implementation of these practices requires a tailored approach that considers local soil fertility conditions and resource availability. The lessons learned from this case study can inform future efforts to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in maize-growing regions worldwide. 11 Challenges and Limitations 11.1 Common implementation challenges Implementing integrated agronomic practices (IAP) in maize cultivation faces several challenges. One significant challenge is the variability in soil fertility across different fields, which affects the consistency of IAP outcomes. For instance, while IAP significantly increased maize grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in high soil fertility (HSF) fields, the benefits were less pronounced in low soil fertility (LSF) fields (Zhou et al., 2019). Additionally, the complexity of managing multiple agronomic factors such as planting density, fertilizer application, and tillage methods can be daunting for farmers, especially those with limited resources or technical knowledge (Liu et al., 2018). The need for precise timing and coordination of these practices further complicates their implementation (Xu et al., 2018). 11.2 Observed limitations Despite the potential benefits, several limitations have been observed in the application of IAP. One major limitation is the environmental impact, particularly in terms of nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions. Although integrated soil-crop system management (ISSM) strategies have shown promise in reducing these environmental costs, they still require careful management to avoid negative impacts (Wang et al., 2020b). Another limitation is the economic feasibility for small-scale farmers. While high-yield management practices can significantly increase grain yield, they often involve higher input costs, which may not be sustainable for all farmers (Xu et al., 2018). Additionally, the long-term sustainability of these practices is still under investigation, with some studies indicating that continuous application may lead to diminishing returns in terms of soil health and crop productivity (Sarwar et al., 2023). 11.3 Potential solutions and further research To address these challenges and limitations, several potential solutions and areas for further research have been identified. One promising approach is the use of biochar and organic amendments in combination with inorganic fertilizers. This strategy has been shown to improve soil health, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase crop yield, particularly under stress conditions such as drought (El-Syed et al., 2023). Another solution is the development and dissemination of decision-support tools like the Nutrient Expert (NE) system, which helps optimize nutrient management and reduce environmental impacts (Wang et al., 2020a). Further research is needed to refine these tools and make them more accessible to farmers. Additionally, long-term field studies are essential to evaluate the sustainability of IAP and ISSM strategies. These studies should focus on understanding the interactions between different agronomic practices and their cumulative effects on soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability (Liu et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2020b). Finally, there is a need for more comprehensive training programs to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills required to implement these complex practices effectively (Sailaza and Kannamreddy, 2020).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==