Abstract
Integrating plant density and nitrogen (N) management is a strategy for improving corn yields, especially for off-season corn production in the tropics. This study tested the hypothesis that increasing plant densities and N rates promotes yield gains for off-season corn production in high-yielding environments. The aim of the study was to investigate the yield performances of two hybrid versions (DKB PRO and DKB PRO3) submitted to three plant densities (55,000; 65,000 and 75,000 plants ha−1) and four N rates (control, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1 N). Field trials were undertaken at Uberlândia-MG (site1 and 2) and Pedro Afonso-TO (site 3), Brazil from which data on corn yield parameters were collected and analyzed. Multivariate analysis separated the three trial areas into two groups, presenting high (sites 1 and 2) and low yields (site 3), which were related to weather conditions. There was no influence of a hybrid version or plant densities on crop yields at site 1 or 2. In contrast, there was a positive response to increasing plant densities and the use of DKB PRO3 at site 3. A significant response to N was observed at sites 2 and 3, following a plateau model. Our results suggest that N application rates and plant densities do have the potential to increase off-season corn yields in low yielding environments.
Highlights
IntroductionCorn (Zea mays L.) can be cultivated as either an in-season (during summer) or off-season crop (during fall) in tropical regions
Corn (Zea mays L.) can be cultivated as either an in-season or off-season crop in tropical regions
Principal component analysis The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the variables used in our study permit the separation of data into two distinct groups: group 1 comprised of sites 1 and 2, and group 2 which was distinct from group 1 (Figure 3)
Summary
Corn (Zea mays L.) can be cultivated as either an in-season (during summer) or off-season crop (during fall) in tropical regions. The off-season crop is the main production season in Brazil and contributes approximately 60 % of total corn production (CONAB, 2016). The spatial arrangement of plants (Penariol et al, 2003) and effective management of nitrogen (N) fertilizers are other factors that can play a role in determining relative corn yield. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients for corn development (O’Keeffe, 2009; Oliveira et al, 2018), responsible for improving the yield potential of the crop. Of the possible interactions between corn hybrids, plant density and N management for off-season crops in Brazil needs improving to ensure yield gains under the often challenging conditions of water limitation that occur during this growing season
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