The profitability of fertilizer-N use can be optimized using N response functions specific to climate-based technology extrapolation domains (TED). Crop growth simulation can complement field research for targeting of response functions. The objective of this study was to target maize (Zea mays L.) N response functions to seven TED in Ethiopia through CERES-Maize simulation of continuous maize over 30 yr. The complete factorial set of treatments included seven levels of N in 25 kg ha−1 increments under no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. The CERES-Maize simulated experiments were done for two or three sites per TED. Nitrogen response functions were generated for each TED with tillage-specific functions for three TED with tillage × N interactions. The N rate responses for all TED fit curvilinear to plateau functions but with differing magnitudes and shapes of response. The mean yield with NT was 6% less than with CT, but the difference declined with increased N rate. The economically optimum N rate (EONR) ranged from 65 to 179 and 103 to 243 kg ha−1 for high and low-cost fertilizer-N, respectively. The EONR was 6% less and the profit cost ratio was 11% higher with CT compared to NT, indicating greater fertilizer-N need with NT than with CT. The application of N for maize was highly profitable for all TED. The EONR from CERES-Maize were higher than past field research results. This suggests that the CERES-Maize N response functions were most appropriate for well-managed crop production situations in Ethiopia
