Abstract
ABSTRACT This study assessed the effect of different irrigation levels and plant densities on maize crops cultivated during the second season in the Western Border region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. This work was conducted at the Federal Institute of Farroupilha - Alegrete Campus/RS - between January and June 2014. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized 5 × 4 factorial design, with 3 replicates each. Irrigation of fixed amounts of water that were based on the evapotranspiration of the culture (Etc): 0, 50, 75, 100, and 125% of Etc were applied at 5-day intervals. Four densities of plants were defined (4, 7, 10, and 13 plants m-2). We assessed number of maize ears per plant, number of grains per ear, aboveground dry matter, mass of 100 grains, harvest index, and grain productivity. The number of grains per ear, mass of 100 grains, and grain yield were influenced by irrigation levels. Plant density and water depth influenced the number of grains per ear, the mass of 100 grains, and grain productivity. The highest yield of winter maize grain was achieved with a combination of 13 plants per m-2 and an irrigation level of 100% of Etc. Specific densities of plants maximized the yield of maize at each irrigation level, demonstrating that choice of plant density is a critical variable in the second crop of maize, and significantly influences the components of production.
Highlights
The yield of maize grain is a complex variable that depends on the interaction between genetic, environmental, and management factors (KAPPES et al, 2011)
There was no statistically significant effect of irrigation levels on the number of ears per plant (NEP) (Table 2), as there was an average of 1.10 ears per plant in all irrigation level treatments
The number of grains per ear, mass of 100 grains, and grain productivity were all influenced by irrigation level
Summary
The yield of maize grain is a complex variable that depends on the interaction between genetic, environmental, and management factors (KAPPES et al, 2011). According to Serpa et al (2012), to achieve high yield of maize grain (Zea mays L.), it is necessary to adapt management practices to the resources available in each cultivation environment to provide the best conditions for plant development. In the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), water availability is one of the most common and important factors that affects grain yield of maize crops. Bergamaschi et al (2006) observed, from a ten-year field experiment in the city of Eldorado do Sul, RS, that total irrigation provided an increase of nearly 70% in maize yield compared with non-irrigated crops. Vieira et al (2013) found a significant increase in irrigated crops compared with non-irrigated plants
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