The determination of grain yield, yield components, and macro nutrient content of corn (Zea Mays L.) by different agricultural practices

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to determine the impacts of some treatments on grain yield, yield components (cob length, cob diameter, grain weight), and macro nutrient content of corn (Zea mays L.). During the study, tobacco waste compost (50 t ha-1), poultry manure (4 t ha-1), bio-humus (10 t ha-1) and NPK (0.3 t ha-1) were applied. The experiment was established with a randomized complete block design with four replications in Izmir, Türkiye. According to the two years average values; cob length varied from 18.84 to 22.35 cm, cob diameter from 4.38 to 5.05 cm, grain weight from 1704 to 2529 g, grain yield from 14.48 to 19.88 t ha-1 by the treatments. The greatest average yield values were obtained under tobacco waste compost (19.88 t ha-1) and poultry manure (19.64 t ha-1) plots over the control. All yield components were significantly affected the treatments. Macro nutrient contents of corn grain were found statistically significant by the treatments as compared with control. Total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content of grain varied between 1.25-1.64%, 0.044-0.087%, 2103-3559 ppm, 25.83-571.88 ppm, 127.57-469.93 ppm, respectively. As a conclusion, all treatments increased the yield components and macro nutrient content of corn with similar effects; on the other hand, poultry manure and tobacco waste compost were the most effective materials on all parameters. Moreover, the positive and significant correlations were found among first and second year parameters.