**Abstract**

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of nutrient management practices tailored for optimizing maize production. It covers critical aspects, including soil testing protocols, advanced fertilizer application methods, organic and inorganic amendments, precision nutrient management approaches, integrated strategies, and conservation agriculture-based practices. Recognizing maize's significance for global food security and economic prosperity, the chapter emphasizes efficient and sustainable nutrient management to achieve high yields. Precision technologies enable targeted fertilizer applications, while organic and inorganic amendments enhance soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Integrated nutrient management reduces environmental risks and improves long-term soil fertility. Conservation agriculturebased practices, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, positively influence maize yield and sustainability by enhancing nutrient retention and water management. Overall, adopting appropriate nutrient management practices is crucial for maximizing maize production while ensuring food security and environmental well-being.

**Keywords:** maize, nutrient management, soil testing, fertilizers, organic amendments, micronutrients, balanced nutrition, yield, environment

### **1. Introduction**

Maize (*Zea mays* L.) is an important cereal crop globally, with a production of over 1.1 billion metric tons in 2020 [1]. Maize is not only a staple food for humans but also an essential feed for livestock. In addition, it is widely used for the production of biofuels and industrial products. Therefore, increasing maize productivity is crucial for food and nutritional security, as well as for economic growth. Nutrient management is one of the critical factors that can significantly affect maize yield and quality. Proper nutrient management not only ensures an adequate supply of essential nutrients but also improves soil health and reduces environmental pollution. The nutrient management practices for maize production can vary depending on soil fertility, climatic conditions, crop management practices, and other factors. In recent years, several studies have focused on improving nutrient management practices for maize production. These studies have explored various approaches such as balanced fertilization, precision nutrient management, integrated nutrient management, and the use of organic and inorganic amendments to improve soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency [2–5]. Studies have shown that conservation agriculture-based practices such as zero-till flatbed (ZTFB) and permanent beds (PNB) can produce

greater maize grain-equivalent yield (MGEY) compared to conventional tillage (CT). Similarly, nutrient expert-based application (NE) and recommended fertilization (RDF) have been found to increase MGEY compared to farmers' fertilizer practices (FFP). Furthermore, these practices have been shown to enhance soil properties, including bulk density and microbial biomass carbon. Integrated nutrient management involves customizing nutrient use by considering contributions through residue retention, atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and residual nutrients. This approach has been shown to enhance maize yield, nutrient uptake, and economic returns, compared to using only organic or inorganic fertilizers. These approaches have shown promising results in enhancing maize yield, reducing input costs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices [6–10]. This chapter aims to review the latest findings on nutrient management practices for maize production and their implications for sustainable agriculture. The chapter will cover various aspects of nutrient management, including soil testing, fertilizer application methods, timing, and rates, as well as the use of organic and inorganic amendments. The chapter will also discuss the challenges and opportunities for improving nutrient management practices in maize production. Overall, this chapter intends to provide insights into how nutrient management practices can contribute to sustainable maize production and food security.
