Impact of different sowing dates and irrigation levels on NPK absorption, yield and water use efficiency of maize

Scientific Reports volume 13, Article number: 12956 (2023) Cite this article

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Upper Egypt experiences high temperatures during summer and low temperatures during winter, which significantly impacts the sowing dates of maize in this region. The productivity of maize crops and water use efficiency can be greatly affected by water stress and sowing dates (SDs). Therefore, it is crucial to determine the optimal irrigation level and SDs based on local conditions. To assess the effects, two irrigation levels were employed: (1) control (full irrigation water applied) and (2) 70% of irrigation water. Field experiments were conducted at the National Water Research Center's water studies and research complex station in Toshka. The aim was to evaluate two irrigation levels (full and limited irrigation) across five SDs (early: mid-February and March, normal: mid-June, and late: mid-August and September) in both 2019 and 2020, in order to identify the ideal sowing date (SD) and irrigation level. The normal SD resulted in an increased the growth season length between plant emergence and maturity. Conversely, the late SD reduced the number of days until plant maturity, resulting in higher grain yields and water use efficiency (WUE). Notably, the SD in September, coupled with the 70% irrigation level, yielded the highest productivity and WUE, with a productivity of 7014 kg ha−1 and a WUE of 0. 9 kg m−3. Based on the findings, it is recommended that regions with similar conditions consider cultivating maize seeds in September, adopting a 70% irrigation level, to achieve optimal N uptake, growth traits (plant height, ear length, ear weight, number of rows per ear, and grain index weight), yield, and WUE.

Water plays a critical role in agricultural production and is one of the most valuable resources, with agriculture being the largest consumer of water1. The challenge of climate change affects various sectors of society, including agriculture, water resources, and irrigation water demand2,3. Agriculture, as the primary source of sustainable food, is significantly impacted by climate change and extreme weather events, such as temperature fluctuations, irregular precipitation, and water scarcity4,5. These changes have adverse effects on productivity, water resources, and the nutritional quality of agricultural products, leading to fluctuations in food production and posing a threat to the constant and sustainable production of cereal-based food6. Therefore, Baum Mitch et al.7 pointed out that climate change has affected maize optimum planting date and an increase of 1 °C in average temperature increases the growth season period by ten days while the optimum planting date changed by − 2 to + 6 days, according to the cultivar. Hence, adaptation strategies for agricultural systems are essential to address the consequences of climate change on irrigation water demand8.

Water stress is an inevitable factor that exists across different environments, disregarding borders and providing no clear warnings. It hampers crop yield, quality, and biomass production9. Water stress has detrimental impacts on plants, including delayed growth, reduced photosynthesis, and inhibition of essential biochemical processes10. In response to water stress, plants employ various strategies to protect themselves, ranging from essential to auxiliary reactions11. These responses enable plants to adapt in the short term to cope with temporary water stress. However, severe or prolonged water stress can adversely affect plant growth and yield12. Additionally, the effects of water stress on agriculture are compounded by limited water resources and an increasing global demand for food due to alarming population growth13. Consequently, Soares et al.2 emphasized the need for sustainable production to meet the demands of a growing global population. Previous researchers study the impact of various irrigation levels on maize yield and WUE14,15. They demonstrated that maize productivity was negatively correlated with irrigation levels. Where, Inadequate or excessive irrigation water quantities will limit maize yield and WUE16,17. Elshamly15 observed that water regime negatively affected the uptake of P, resulting in reduced root efficiency, growth and other vegetative and yield traits, while N, K and protein content increased. Therefore, Kulczycki18 concluded that “although maize as another C4 plant is highly efficient in WUE, it remains susceptible to the impacts of water availability”.

Liaqat et al.19 discovered that the SD significantly influenced crop phenology, specifically tasseling and silking. The timing of planting plays a crucial role in maximizing maize yield and determining grain quality20, which has led to extensive research on the response of maize yield to different SDs21. Furthermore, the growing environment can also impact the quality and composition of maize kernels22. Djaman et al.23 observed a notable effect of SD on maize yield and its components. Where early SD enhance the productivity of maize grain and quality as plants reach their physiological maturity before the onset of low fall or winter temperatures23. In the kharif and summer seasons, delayed seeding resulted in reduced days to tasseling, silking, length of harvest, ratio of leaf fresh weight to total silage weight, and ultimately grain yield24. In this concern, Parker et al.25 demonstrated that early SD of maize was correlated with potentially under optimal soil and climatic conditions, while late SD exposes maize plants to a decrease growing season period, low temperatures degrees, and low-income solar radiation. Moreover, suboptimal environmental conditions can limit seed production through asynchronous processes (e.g., adverse impacts on crop growth rate and phenology, hindering the uptake of macronutrient and the synthesis processes15,26.

In Egypt, the recommended sowing period for maize falls between May 20 and May 3019,27. Similarly, studies by28,29,30 have indicated that maize sown during the second week of August in arid regions such as Toshka district positively enhances maize yield and its components.

Given Egypt's water scarcity and the significance of maize as an oil and fodder crop, this study aims to determine the optimal water requirements and SD for maize cultivation in arid areas.

In the south of Egypt, an open field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of water studies and research station, Egypt, through the two successive seasons of 2019 and 2020, to study the effect of defining the optimum and planting date and irrigation level under extremely arid conditions. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0–30 and 30–60 cm. The soil samples were stored in a box and taken to the laboratory, where they were air-dried at room temperature. Thereafter, these soil samples were crushed and sieved through a 2-mm sieve to remove any gravel and coarse plant residues and prepared to determine the physicochemical properties and water status. Using Systronics 372 pH/EC/ TDS/Salinity meter at 25 °C, soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined and following the protocol elaborated by Janke et al.31. Soil particle size distribution was determined using the pipette method, whereas soil textural classes were determined by using the methods developed by USDA Soil Survey Staff32. The texture of the experimental soil is sandy soil. While the remaining soil samples were passed through a 0.5 mm sieve and used for determining the rest physical and chemical properties which are given in Table 1, following standardized methods Estefan et al.33. In the experimental site, the source of irrigation water is groundwater through a well, according to the analysis quality of the water, it has been classified as C2S134.

The studied area lies in the hyper-arid with a mild winter and a hot summer (the mean temperature of the hottest month is 18–34 °C), with the lowest rainfall35. Tables 2 and 3 presented the averages of meteorological data, which have been collected from the Toshka weather station during the growing seasons.

In order to accomplish the purpose of the current study under drip irrigation system, a split-plot design with five replicates was chosen, whereas the SD early (mid-February—date1), normal (March-date2 and mid-June—date3) and late (mid-August—date4 and September—date5) in 2019 and 2020) were allocated in the main plot, and two of the irrigation water levels, i.e., 100 and 70% of the water requirements. From the field crops institute, agricultural research center, Egypt, a triple hybrid Giza 352 of maize seeds were obtained. This cultivar is recommended as a high production commercial cultivar. Moreover, this cultivar and the implemented methods in the current research complied with international, national, and institutional guidelines and legislation. The fertilization management and the field practices were implemented as recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture in Egypt for the newly reclaimed soils. The cultivar of maize was resistant hybrid to late wilt and the harvesting takes place 110–120 days after sowing. At a rate of 35 kg ha−1, two maize seeds were sown in hills on one side of the dripper’s jet with a spacing between the maize plants of about 20 cm, while the spacing between rows was 50 cm, with a depth of 5 cm, and the length of lateral lines was 4 m. After 2 weeks of emergence, the plants were thinned to maintain one plant per hill and a population density at 10 plants m−2 (100,000 plants ha−1). The plot size was 5 × 3.5 m, accordingly, the experimental work involved 50 plots {2 irrigations levels × 5 SDs × 5 replicates}. Additionally, the experimental units were bounded with a buffer zone (2 m width) to prevent interactions. Corn plants were irrigated by drip irrigation system and each irrigation plot had a pressure gauge valve to maintain the operating pressure at 1 bar. A flow meter with a discharge of 25 m3 h–1 was employed to measure the quantity of targeted amount of irrigation water for each irrigation regime.

By entering the weather data that were obtained from the Toshka agrometeorological station, in CROPWAT which is a software package using Fao Penman–Monteith36, to calculate ETo on a daily basis from the measured climatic data. Then ETc was calculated according to the following equation:

where ETc = the crop evapotranspiration (mm). ETo = the reference evapotranspiration (mm). kc = the crop coefficient (which was according to37 equaled 0.24, 1.04, and 0.58 for Kcini, Kcmid, and Kcend).

The calculation of the irrigation water requirements (100% Ir) was according to the equation of Abd El-Wahed and Ali38 as follows

where Ir = the irrigation water requirements (mm). A = the plot area (m2), Etc = the crop evapotranspiration (mm). Ii = the intervals between irrigation (day), Kr = the coverage coefficient (Kr = (0.10 + Gc) ≤ 1) to Abd El-Mageed et al.39, Gc is ground cover. Lf = the leaching factor 10% (since soil electrical conductivity is low, Lf was neglected). Ea = irrigation system efficiency was calculated for the 60 cm soil depth according to Hiekal40 as mean values of 3rd, 7th, 17th, and 25th irrigation events according to the equation

where Ea = water application efficiency (%). Ws = amount of water stored in the root zone (m3 ha−1), which was calculated according to Aiad41. Wf = amount of water delivered to each plot (m3 ha−1).

Before the study was started, soil water parameters were measured by gravimetric method as mentioned by Vaz et al.42, then the declinations in the soil moisture till it reaches to 50% of available water were recorded, which previous studies demonstrated that was the critical limit on yield. Accordingly, based on this knowledge the irrigation was every 2 days. Furthermore, the applied water irrigation amounts of (70% Ir) treatment were proportionally obtained from the (100% Ir) treatment. The ETc and Ir calculated amounts that are applied to maize crops in the different growth stages during the growing seasons of 2019 and 2020 are demonstrated in Table 4

The WUE was calculated using the following formula:

where WUE = water use efficiency (kg m−3), Y = yield (kg ha−1) and ETc = seasonal actual evapotranspiration (m3 ha−1).

At the harvest, the following measurements were recorded on five samples randomly selected from each plot: Average plant height (cm)—Average ear length (cm)—Average number of ears plant−1—Average weight of ear (g)—Average number of row ear−1—Average 1000 grain index weight (g) adjusted to 15.5% moisture content—grain yield was determined for each plot then converted to Kg ha−1.

At the harvest, three maize kernels of each plot were dried at 65 °C in an air-forced oven for 48 h and then ground into a powder. The samples were digested by a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2. Using Micro-equipment, Kjeldahl's as described in43. In contrast to the measurement of P using a UV–VIS spectrophotometer and the determination of K with a flame photometer, as outlined by44,45.

Total carbohydrates were determined as described by El-Katony et al.46. The protein percentage was estimated by multiplying the content of N in grains (%) with a coefficient of 6.2547. Fiber was determined according to the procedure of48. On the other hand, oil content in corn grain was measured by the following formula as described by Bai et al.49:

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was established to determine any statistically significant differences using a package Costat version 6.303. The means were separated through a revised least significant difference (LSD) test at the 0.05 level.

The daily weather conditions during the 2019–2020 experience period are shown in (Table 2 and 3). Maximum, minimum and mean temperatures increased starting in January 1, 2019 maximum values in June and minimum values at the end of December 2019 at the start of January 2020. A similar trend was seen in 2020. The average monthly air temperature ranged from 16.58 °C (January 2019–2020) to 35.2 °C and 33.14 °C (July 2019–2020). The lowest relative humidity was recorded in May 2019, where it recorded 15.3%, while its lowest value was recorded in 2020 in the same month, the heights relative humidity was recorded in September 2019, where it recorded 40.6%, while its heights value was recorded in 2020 in the same month which was 43.4%. The highest and lowest wind speed in 2019 was recorded in September and November and it was 3.70 and 2.70 m s−1, respectively, While the lowest and highest wind speeds were recorded in 2020 in February and August, they were 2.75 and 3.48 m s−1, respectively. The average temperature decreased during February, then this average increased during March to reach the highest degree during June, then it began to decrease in August and September 2019. The same occurred in 2020, but the highest average temperatures were recorded in August. The average air temperature from February 2019 to February 2020 was 15.95 °C and 17.27.6 °C, respectively. While the average air temperatures in September 2019 and 2020 were 30.65 and 31.65 °C, respectively. Air temperature for May 2020 was 47.2% higher than May 2019. The date5 was also characterized by higher soil temperatures than the rest of the SD.

Table 4 represents the effect of SD on the ETc, Ir, and the length of the growing season. The adoption of various SDs in this study affected the ETc, Ir and the length of the growing season. Regarding of various SDs, planting maize seed in the date2 SD increased the length of the growing season to (115 days). While the shorter length of the growing season was observed in date5 (101 days).

The ETc and Ir values decreased in the early or lately SDs of maize (date1, date4, and date5) then it increased gradually till it reaches the highest values at the normal SDs (date2 and date3). The maximum ETc and Ir values were observed for date3 (1319.6 and 1584.0 mm for ETc and Ir, respectively). And the minimum values were observed for date1 (639.6 and 752.4 mm for ETc and Ir, respectively). Overall, it is clear that planting maize seed in the late SDs decreased gradually the ETc, Ir, and the length of the growing season.

As can be observed in (Fig. 1A) the N contents in maize grain under different SD were date2 > date3 > date5 > date4 > date1. The result showed that when the SD were earlier (date1), the concentrations of N in maize grain were decreased. In other hand the contents of N, did not change significantly with drought stress level under various SDs.

The interactive impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on nitrogen (A), phosphorus, (B) and potassium (C). Vertical bars represent ± standard error (SE) of the means (n = 5). Bars with different letters are statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Abbreviations: date 1 (February); date 2 (March); date 3 (April); date 4 (August) date 5 (September). IR100% (applying 100% of irrigation water requirements—represent full irrigation level); IR 70% (applying 70% of irrigation water requirements—represent limited irrigation level).

On the other hand, by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, higher N contents were obtained with implementing date2 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels, although that significantly equaled the implementing of date3 under Ir100 & Ir70 or adoption date5 x adopting Ir70 irrigation level. Likewise, the lowest N contents were obtained by implementing date1 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels.

In (Fig. 1B) by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, higher P contents were obtained with implementing date3 and date4 under Ir70 irrigation levels. Likewise, the lowest P contents were obtained by implementing date5 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels, although that significantly equaled the implementing of date1 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels or adoption date2 under Ir100.

On the other hand, by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, higher K contents were obtained with implementing date3 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels. Likewise, the lowest K contents were obtained by implementing date1 under Ir70 irrigation level (Fig. 1C).

In (Fig. 2A) by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, a higher plant high was obtained with implementing date1 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels, date2 and date4 under Ir100 irrigation levels, respectively, although that significantly equaled the implementing of date5 under Ir70. Likewise, the lowest plant high was obtained by implementing date3 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels.

The interactive impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on maize plant height (A), ear length (B), number of grains per ear (C). Vertical bars represent ± standard error (SE) of the means (n = 5). Bars with different letters are statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Abbreviations: date 1 (February); date 2 (March); date 3 (April); date 4 (August) date 5 (September). IR100% (applying 100% of irrigation water requirements—represent full irrigation level); IR 70% (applying 70% of irrigation water requirements—represent limited irrigation level).

As illustrated in (Fig. 2B), the results showed that by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, the adopting of Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels × (date2 and date5) significantly equaled the adoption of Ir100 irrigation level x (date1 and date4), for attaining the highest ear length in the maize. While the data indicated that the lowest ear length was recorded under the adopting of Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels × date3.

By comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, a higher grain number was obtained with implementing date1 under the Ir100 irrigation level. Likewise, the lowest grains number were obtained by implementing date3 under the Ir70 irrigation level (Fig. 2C).

As can be seen in (Fig. 3A), to get the best number of rows per maize ear, it is just as effective to adopt the Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels × implementing date2, which significantly equaled Ir100 irrigation level × the implementation of date1 and date4 or Ir70 irrigation level × date5.

The interactive impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on number of rows per ear (A), grain index (B), and ear weight (C). Vertical bars represent ± standard error (SE) of the means (n = 5). Bars with different letters are statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Abbreviations: date 1 (February); date 2 (March); date 3 (April); date 4 (August) date 5 (September) IR100% (applying 100% of irrigation water requirements- represent full irrigation level); IR 70% (applying 70% of irrigation water requirements—represent limited irrigation level).

The obtained results in (Fig. 3B), indicated that the maximum grain index was achieved through adopting Ir70 irrigation level × (date4 and date5). Likewise, the lowest grain index was obtained by implementing date1under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels.

On the other side, the obtained results indicated that by comparing the examined Ir as seen in (Fig. 3C), it was found that Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels × date5 significantly attained the highest ear weight, while the minimum increase of ear weight was observed by the adoption of Ir100 irrigation level × date1.

The effects of SD and water levels on protein, total carbohydrates, fiber and oil content are presented in (Fig. 4). In general, there was a significant difference in the protein content in the date1 and date5 under Ir100 & Ir70, but not in the date2, date3 and date4 under Ir100 & Ir70 treatment (Fig. 4A). The results showed that the adoption of SD date5 led to a decrease in protein content under Ir70 treatment. However, the adoption of SD date2 and date3 and the application of Ir100 & Ir70 treatment resulted in the highest increase in protein content, although this increase was only significantly equal to the adoption of date5 + Ir70.

The interactive impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on protein (A), total carbohydrates (B), fiber (C), and oil contents (D) in maize seeds. Vertical bars represent ± standard error (SE) of the means (n = 5). Bars with different letters are statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Abbreviations: date 1 (February); date 2 (March); date 3 (April); date 4 (August) date 5 (September) IR100% (applying 100% of irrigation water requirements- represent full irrigation level); IR 70% (applying 70% of irrigation water requirements—represent limited irrigation level).

As shown in (Fig. 4B), adopting date2 + Ir100 & Ir70 or date3 under the Ir70 level significantly matched adopting an Ir70 water level and implementing SD date5 to achieve the highest total carbohydrates in maize seeds. Likewise, the lowest total carbohydrates contents were recorded under date1 and the application of Ir100 & Ir70, which significantly equaled the adoption of date5 × Ir100 level.

To reduce fiber contents in maize seeds, either planting maize seeds in the late SD (date5) under Ir100 & Ir70 or planting maize seeds in the date4 was effective under the Ir100 level (Fig. 4C). The highest fiber contents were observed when adopting date3 and the Ir100 & Ir70 levels, although this increase was only significantly equal to the adoption of date1 × Ir100 or date2 under the Ir70.

On the other hand, the results indicated that date1 under Ir70 treatment resulted in significantly lower values of oil content, as seen in (Fig. 4D). The maximum increase in oil content was observed when date5 was adopted with the implementation of Ir100 & Ir70, although this increase was significantly equal to the adoption of date4 + Ir70.

The obtained data that illustrated in (Fig. 5A) demonstrated that by comparing the SD under different irrigation levels, a higher grain yield was obtained with implementing date5 under Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels. Likewise, the lowest grain yield was obtained by implementing date3 under Ir70 irrigation level.

The interactive impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on maize grain yield (A) and water use efficiency (B). Vertical bars represent ± standard error (SE) of the means (n = 5). Bars with different letters are statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Abbreviations: date 1 (February); date 2 (March); date 3 (April); date 4 (August) date 5 (September) IR 100% (applying 100% of gross irrigation water requirements- represent full irrigation level); IR 70% (applying 70% of gross irrigation water requirements—represent limited irrigation level).

As can be observed in (Fig. 5B), to get the best WUE of maize, it is just as effective to adopt a Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels x date5. Nevertheless, the implementation of Ir100 & Ir70 irrigation levels × date3, causing the lowest decreases in maize WUE.

This manuscript is an original paper and has not been published in other journals. The authors agreed to keep the copyright rule.

The SD is a crucial factor that limits maize crop yield and plays a significant role in determining overall yield. Therefore, determining the optimal SD is critical for agricultural production, especially considering the impact of increasing temperatures on crop yield due to shorter growing seasons50.

The results obtained from this study revealed that sowing maize seeds on date2 and date3, with the application of Ir100 and Ir70, resulted in the highest accumulation of N content. Furthermore, sowing maize seeds on date5 under Ir70 yielded a significantly similar N content compared to the previous treatment. The lowest accumulated N value was observed when maize seeds were sown on date1 under both Ir100 and Ir70. This could be attributed to the severe stress, including water stress and high temperatures, experienced by maize plants, particularly during the filling stage. In the case of SDs (date2 and date3), the plants reached the filling stage during the hottest months, such as June and August. As a result, the plants were exposed to high temperatures and water stress, which prompted them to increase N absorption and accumulation to facilitate the production of high molecular components. This can be seen as a protective mechanism against stress and allowed the plants to complete their life cycle quickly. These findings align with previous studies18,51. Similarly, Dupont et al.52 demonstrated that grain protein (N) percentage was lower under moderate temperatures compared to grains produced under higher temperatures, which is consistent with our findings. However, this response seems to have a critical limitation as crossing a certain threshold can lead to negative impacts. In this context, Klimenko et al.53 showed that the absorption and translocation of N in wheat grains decreased under higher temperatures due to a decline in nitrate reductase activity in plants. Under such conditions, plants tend to increase the uptake of other nutrients such as P, K, sulfur, and sodium, which help maintain and protect cell membranes, enhance the antioxidant defense system, and improve osmotic potential, ultimately improving the photosynthetic rate54. Nevertheless, the reduction in root growth under higher temperature conditions generally has an adverse influence on the uptake, assimilation, and translocation processes of most nutrients55. Therefore, when maize seeds are planted on date1, reaching the filling stage around April and early May, the conditions allow maize plants to prioritize vegetative growth over productivity growth. This delay in accelerating the uptake and translocation processes of N occurs after the completion of vegetative growth, as plants face unfavorable temperature conditions, which ultimately results in the lowest accumulation of N in maize grains.

In addition to the accumulation of N content, the accumulation of P in maize seeds appears to be more correlated with the SD rather than the irrigation water regimes used. We observed that the highest P accumulations were achieved with Ir70 and the cultivation of maize seeds on date3 and date4. Conversely, the lowest values of accumulated P were observed on date5, although they were comparable to the values obtained from maize seeds planted on date1 and date2 under Ir100. In this context, we hypothesized that under the SDs of date3 and date4, maize plants experienced a higher air and soil temperature conditions during the most growth stages, which contributed to unfavorable soil moisture content. Under water stress conditions, maize plants undergo different mechanisms to deal with the reduction in applied irrigation. One of these mechanisms is the activation of an effective root system, which involves the penetration of the root system within the soil profile, the modification of root architecture as well as the accumulation of root exudate production, which is consistent with previous studies56,57,58. However, with reduced water applications (Ir70), the soil pH increased subsequently affecting negatively on the availability of P59. The plants employ increasing root exudates to decrease soil pH and allow root systems increase the absorption of P. Increased accumulation of P in grains improves the synthesis of carbohydrates. Leads to a decrease in water potential, thereby enhancing water uptake by the roots and improving the water status of the plant. Moreover, under water stress conditions (Ir70), it can be assumed that plant vegetative aerial parts are less active, leading to reductions in various physiological processes such as transpiration. Consequently, the root system becomes the primary driver of activities, prioritizing nutrient uptake and storage. These mechanisms, coupled with other protective mechanisms adopted by maize plants, contribute to their tolerance and overall performance under water stress conditions. Additionally, it appears that soil temperature was highest on date3 and date4, resulting in increased P uptake from the rhizosphere under higher temperature conditions compared to date1 and date5 (low temperature). This finding aligns with previous studies60.

On the other hand, the results showed that the accumulation of K in maize seeds reached its highest values when date3 was combined with Ir100 and Ir70, while lowest accumulated K value was observed when maize seeds were sown on date1 and date2. We hypothesize that severe temperature and evaporation conditions affect plant growth starting from date3. As a protective strategy, plants increase the uptake and accumulation of K to cope with these conditions. K has several features that can improve plant water status under water and temperature stress conditions. This is evident in the increased accumulation of K observed on date3 under Ir100 and Ir70. Similar observations have been reported in previous studies61,62,63, although the relationship between K uptake and temperature has a threshold point. For instance64, mentioned that the threshold point was at 25 °C, and with further increases in temperature, K uptake decreased. Furthermore65, reported that plants have the ability to modify nutrient absorption and accumulation based on the temperature conditions to which their aerial parts or roots are exposed.

Based on the findings of the current study, it is crucial to determine the intended purpose for maize seeds. If the goal is to address malnutrition, cultivating maize seeds on date3 under Ir70 results in improved seed quality with the highest values of N, P, K, protein, and total carbohydrates. On the other hand, if the aim is to achieve maximum yield, the results demonstrate that planting maize seeds on date5 under Ir70 leads to the highest maize yield and WUE. From the results, we conclude that on date5 when maize adopting the limited irrigation level, the plants are exposed to some degree of water stress that has contributed to a series of successive impacts. Physiologically, this leads to a decrease in soil moisture around the roots leading to an increase in the root penetration and absorption activity. Consequently, water, macronutrient (N), and photosynthesis improved, resulting in enhanced growth traits (plant height, ear length, ear weight, number of rows per ear, and grain index weight), protein, oil content and yield under these conditions (Cai and Ahmed66. Additionally, this approach proves beneficial in mitigating the impacts of water stress and conserving significant amounts of irrigation water and increasing WUE in arid climatic conditions. These findings align with previous studies14,59,67, that have reported similar enhancements in yield characteristics.

Furthermore, we hypothesize that exposing maize plants to water stress on date5 involves interconnected factors that partially mitigate the effects of these conditions. One of these factors is the relatively short duration of water stress that maize plants experience. By sowing maize seeds on date5 under Ir70, despite the reduction in applied irrigation water, severe adverse impacts are not observed. In this regard68, has indicated that plants have the ability to adjust their vegetative and reproductive phenology in response to water reduction, depending on the most favorable period. Moreover, planting maize seeds on date5 under Ir70 motivates plants to enhance the production process due to the shorter growth period, typically around 100–102 days (average 101 days), as shown in Table 4. Additionally, the presence of combined stress factors, such as temperature and drought, accelerates the absorption and accumulation of N, leading to increased photosynthesis, protein production, and plant growth.

The findings of this study clearly demonstrate the significant influence of current climatic changes on maize production, nutrient uptake, and yield in arid conditions. However, the specific impacts varied depending on the pattern of water stress implemented. Determining the optimal sowing dates may not always align with practical implementation, as it depends on factors such as available non-cultivated land and the return benefits for farmers.

Nevertheless, if the goal is to increase the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and total carbohydrates in maize seeds, earlier sowing dates can be advantageous to benefit from higher seed quality and to create an appropriate window for growing a winter crop. On the other hand, the results highlight the importance of subjecting maize to a certain level of water stress. However, further research is needed to observe the impacts of this practice in different regions.

Considering the current climatic changes, sowing maize seeds in September under 70% of irrigation water requirements appears to be the most favorable approach for achieving optimal N uptake, growth traits (plant height, ear length, ear weight, number of rows per ear, and grain index weight), grain yields, and irrigation water use efficiency in irrigated arid conditions. Additionally, these practices prove beneficial in mitigating the impacts of water stress and conserving significant amounts of irrigation water in arid areas.

The presented datasets during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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The authors would like to thank the Water Studies and Research Complex (WSRC) Station and National Water Research Center (NWRC) for their financial support to conduct this work. In addition, The authors extend their appreciation to the researchers supporting project number (RSP2023R173), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Water Studies and Research Complex, National Water Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

Ahmed S. D. Abaza & Ayman M. S. Elshamly

Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mona S. Alwahibi & Mohamed S. Elshikh

Department of Environmental Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal Dir (U), Dir Upper, KPK, Pakistan

Allah Ditta

School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia

Allah Ditta

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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, software, and resources by [M.S.A. and M.S.E.], visualization and supervision by [A.D.], data collection was performed by [A.D.]; A.M.S.E. contributed to the statistical analysis sections. The first draft of the manuscript was written by [Ahmed Dahab] and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Correspondence to Ahmed S. D. Abaza.

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Abaza, A.S.D., Elshamly, A.M.S., Alwahibi, M.S. et al. Impact of different sowing dates and irrigation levels on NPK absorption, yield and water use efficiency of maize. Sci Rep 13, 12956 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40032-9

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Received: 16 March 2023

Accepted: 03 August 2023

Published: 10 August 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40032-9

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