Abstract
In the last few years, Romania has become a top maize producer. Export potential is sustained by ensuring high-quantity and -quality maize. Success of maize crop is highly dependent on inputs. In this context, insight into the potential of different fertilizers to maximize crop performance could shed light on best practices to enhance yields and other traits of interest. The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance of maize under a fertilization gradient. Six fertilizer regimes were tested on three maize hybrids between 2018 and 2020, in conditions from the Transylvanian Plain. Results showed that fertilization had a significant influence on yield, thousand kernels weight, grain quality (starch and protein content) and crop health. The experimental year also played a significant role in the expression of productivity potential of maize genotypes. Different fertilizer regimes could be used for targeting desired outcomes, but top performance across all or multiple agronomic components remains a challenge and should receive further attention for optimization.
Highlights
Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development from Romania indicate that, since the integration in the European Union, both the average yield-per-unit area as well as total production of maize increased at the national level [3], presenting attractive export potential
According to the results presented, fertilizer regimes options available today confer the possibility to farmers of enhancing traits of interest according to desired outcomes
Increased biomass, or yields, low disease and pest incidence, high starch or protein content of grains could be obtained by selecting certain combination of fertilizers
Summary
Agriculture 2021, Romania has been among the top 10 producers of maize worldwide since 2018 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [1] and the most important maize grower within the European Union according to Eurostat [2]. Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development from Romania indicate that, since the integration in the European Union, both the average yield-per-unit area as well as total production of maize increased at the national level [3], presenting attractive export potential. It is standard knowledge that adequate fertilization is essential for realizing maize hybrid yield potential, but nutrient application has to be conducted both on sustainable environmental and financial considerations [10]. Yields can be obtained in a sustainable manner through balanced nutrition, which ensures adequate uptake of both macronutrients as well as micronutrients by the plants and that, in turn, ensure grains that are healthy, biofortified and nutritious [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
