Maize Biomass Production Research Articles

Assessment of different seed priming agents on germination and biomass production of hybrid maize at Rampur, Nepal

Assessment of different seed priming agents on germination and biomass production of hybrid maize at Rampur, Nepal

Variability in Maize Seed Bacterization and Survival Correlating with Root Colonization by Pseudomonas Isolates with Plant-Probiotic Traits.

Seed treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria represents the primary strategy to incorporate them into agricultural ecosystems, particularly for crops under extensive management, such as maize. In this study, we evaluated the seed bacterization levels, root colonization patterns, and root competitiveness of a collection of autochthonous Pseudomonas isolates that have demonstrated several plant-probiotic abilities in vitro. Our findings indicate that the seed bacterization level, both with and without the addition of various protectants, is specific to each Pseudomonas strain, including their response to seed pre-hydration. Bacterization kinetics revealed that while certain isolates persisted on seed surfaces for up to 4 days post-inoculation (dpi), others experienced a rapid decline in viability after 1 or 2 dpi. The observed differences in seed bacterization levels were consistent with the root colonization densities observed through confocal microscopy analysis, and with root competitiveness quantified via selective plate counts. Notably, isolates P. protegens RBAN4 and P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SMMP3 demonstrated effective competition with the natural microflora for colonizing the maize rhizosphere and both promoted shoot and root biomass production in maize assessed at the V3 grown stage. Conversely, P. donghuensis SVBP6 was detected at very low levels in the maize rhizosphere, but still exhibited a positive effect on plant parameters, suggesting a growth-stimulatory effect during the early stages of plant development. In conclusion, there is a considerable strain-specific variability in the maize seed bacterization and survival capacities of Pseudomonas isolates with plant-probiotic traits, with a correlation in their root competitiveness under natural conditions. This variability must be understood to optimize their adoption as inputs for the agricultural system. Our experimental approach emphasizes the critical importance of tailoring seed bacterization treatments for each inoculant candidate, including the selection and incorporation of protective substances. It should not be assumed that all bacterial cells exhibit a similar performance.

Fertilising Maize with Bio-Based Mineral Fertilisers Gives Similar Growth to Conventional Fertilisers and Does Not Alter Soil Microbiome

The production of mineral fertilisers relies heavily on mineral deposits that are becoming depleted or is based on processes that are highly energy demanding. In this context, and in line with the circular economy and the European Green Deal, the recovery of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from organic wastes using chemical technologies is an important strategy to produce secondary raw materials for incorporation into mineral fertilisers, partially replacing the traditional sources of N, P, and K. However, there are very few studies on the agronomic and environmental effects of such substitution. The aim of this work was to evaluate plant growth under microcosm conditions and the effect on the soil microbiome of mineral fertilisers in which part of the N, P, or K content comes from bio-based materials (BBMFs), namely ash, struvite, and a patented chemical process. The crop was maize, and a metataxonomic approach was used to assess the effect on the soil microbiome. The BBMF treatments were compared with a control treated with a conventional mineral fertiliser. The conventional fertiliser performed significantly better than the bio-based fertilisers in terms of maize biomass production at the first sampling point 60 days after sowing (DAS), but at the last sampling point, 90 DAS, the BBMFs showed comparable or even better biomass production than the conventional one. This suggests that BBMFs may have a slightly slower nutrient release rate. The use of fertiliser, whether conventional or BBMF, resulted in a significant increase in microbiome biodiversity (Shannon index), while it did not affect species richness. Interestingly, the use of fertilisers modulated the composition of the bacterial community, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial taxa considered to be plant-growth-promoting bacteria, without significant differences between the conventional mineral fertilisers and the BBMFs. The predominance of PGPRs in the rhizosphere of crops when BBMFs are used could be part of the reason why BBMFs perform similarly or even better than conventional fertilisers, even if the rate of nutrient release is slower. This hypothesis will be tested in future field trials. Thus, BBMFs are an interesting option to make the food chain more sustainable.

Manganese and phosphorus maize shoot concentrations are differently affected by nitrification inhibitor‐driven rhizosphere acidification

AbstractHigh soil pH can lead to Mn2+ and P deficiency and yield losses. In addition, it is unclear which process, nitrification‐induced acidification of bulk soil or nitrification inhibitor‐driven rhizosphere acidification, is more effective in increasing Mn2+ availability and shoot concentration. Thus, this topic was investigated in this study. Moreover, we also evaluated if applying NIs can avoid P deficiency in soil with high pH and high buffering capacity. Two greenhouse experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of applying 3,4‐Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) in sandy soil subjected to the application of different lime rates, simulating several soil pH and buffering capacity conditions. The utilized lime rates were 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g CaCO3 kg−1. The measured variables were bulk and rhizosphere soil pH, Mn2+ and P availability, maize biomass production, as well as Mn and P shoot concentrations. DMPP significantly reduced shoot biomass by 10% in unlimed soil; however, it promoted the overall shoot biomass by 30% in limed soil in both experiments. In addition, DMPP decreased the overall Mn shoot concentration by 24 and 21% in experiments I and II, respectively. In contrast, DMPP increased the overall P shoot concentration due to rhizosphere acidification by 24 and 17% in experiments I and II, respectively. The DMPP application did not avoid P deficiency under the highest lime rate (4 g CaCO3 kg−1) despite alleviating it. In conclusion, the application of NIs is not beneficial for increasing Mn2+ shoot concentration and, when performed to increase P availability in high pH soils, should consider the likelihood of causing Mn deficiency.

Effect on biomass production and phosphorus use efficiency of maize by using citric acid amended di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer

Phosphorus (P) is a critical factor influencing maize (Zea mays L.) development and yield. To explore the influence of P on maize growth, a pot experiment was conducted during the summer of 2021. There were five treatments T1 = No DAP/CA, T2 = 5 ml (80 mg kg−1 soil) DAP, T3 = 5 ml (120 mg kg−1 soil) DAP, T4 = 5 ml (80 mg kg−1 soil) DAP and 2 mM citric acid, T5 = 5 ml (120 mg kg−1 soil) DAP and 2 mM citric acid. Citric acid-amended P fertilizers (i.e., CA and DAP) exhibited significant effects (p < 0.05) on all the parameters studied in comparison to the sole application of DAP. Among phosphorus fertilized treatments, the DAP 120 + CA produced significantly higher biomass yield (16.37 g pot−1), while sole DAP 80 produced lower biomass (10.61 g pot−1); the DAP 120 + CA produced significantly higher plant length (34.273 cm), while sole DAP 80 produced lower plant length (30.467 cm); DAP 80 + CA produced significantly higher phosphorus recovery (25.583%), while sole DAP 120 produced lower phosphorus recovery (19.863%); DAP 120 + CA showed significantly higher phosphorus use (69.565 mg plant-1), while sole DAP 80 showed lower phosphorus use (39.154 mg plant-1); the highest total PUE (40.503%) was recorded in DAP 120 + CA treatment, while sole DAP 80 treatments showed lower PUE (22.743%); and the highest PCN (4.25 mg g-1) was recorded in DAP 120 + CA treatment while sole DAP 80 treatments showed lower PCN (3.69 mg g-1). In conclusion, the use of citric acid-amended P fertilizers (CA and DAP) significantly improved all parameters studied, compared to the sole application of DAP. The DAP 120 + CA treatment showed the highest values for biomass yield, plant length, phosphorus recovery, phosphorus use, total PUE, and PCN, while the sole DAP 80 treatment showed lower values for these parameters. The findings suggest that growing maize using citric acid-amended DAP could be more beneficial to get a higher crop yield of maize. Thus, fertilizer application in maize agriculture can be a technique for boosting both economic and environmental profitability.

Phosphorus Availability and Uptake following a Maize-Pigeon Pea Rotation under Conservation Agriculture

Soils on many smallholder farms in Southern Africa are severely depleted in plant nutrients, in particular phosphorus (P), following years of maize monocropping with little or no fertilizer input. Past studies suggest that pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) may increase plant-available P. Pigeon pea is not a common crop in much of Southern Africa, and the effect of locally grown pigeon pea varieties on plant-available P is unknown. We assessed the changes in plant-available P after growing pigeon pea varieties MPPV-2, MPPV-3, and Babati White in Zambia, viz. Lixisols of Choma and Mkushi, Acrisols of Chipata and Kasama, and Arenosols of Kaoma. The selected soils were not fertilized. Baseline soils (0–20 cm), sampled after long-term maize monocropping and soils from the same fields after growing pigeon pea were collected from field trials in Kaoma, Chipata, Choma, and Mkushi and analyzed for plant-available P. Further, a greenhouse study was conducted with soils from Kasama, Choma, Kaoma, and Chipata, under which soil P was determined before and after growing pigeon pea, soybean (Dina), and maize (SC 419) without fertilizer addition. Pigeon pea under field studies had no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect on plant-available P in Choma, Kaoma, and Chipata. In Mkushi, pigeon pea cropping resulted in a 47.5% significant decline (p ≤ 0.05) in plant-available P, amounting to a loss of 11.2 kg ha−1. The greenhouse study showed a significant decline (p ≤ 0.001) in plant-available P after seven weeks of maize growth, while there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect on plant-available P after soybean and pigeon pea cropping. The latter was primarily due to the significantly higher P uptake associated with larger biomass production of maize after seven weeks in the greenhouse. During the initial seven weeks, pigeon pea biomass had significantly higher P concentrations than maize. Thus, P deficiency symptoms were exhibited in maize, while pigeon pea appeared healthy. However, mobilized P, calculated as the sum of plant P and soil P after cropping minus soil P before planting, was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) in pigeon pea compared to soybean and maize. Synthesizing field and greenhouse experiments suggests that there is a low net decline of plant-available P from soils after pigeon pea cropping. Therefore, rotation with these pigeon pea varieties could be beneficial to resource-poor farmers due to low P removal and its ability to grow in P-deficient soil.

Sensitivities of rainfed maize production to root zone soil water, air temperature and shortwave radiation in the Sanjiang Plain under sub-humid cool-temperate climates

Development of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) is sensitive to fluctuations of environmental conditions, while whether the sensitivity varies across the growth stages is still unclear. Based on a 5-year dataset collected from consecutive observations, this study examined the sensitivities of biomass and yield production of rainfed maize to root zone soil water, air temperature and shortwave radiation at four growth stages in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeastern China under sub-humid cool-temperate climates. The multiple linear regression model was employed to establish functional relations between biomass and yield production and significant explanatory variables. A Monte-Carlo simulation was used to test sensitivities of biomass and yield production to perturbation of a single significant explanatory variable or co-perturbation of multiple significant explanatory variables. Results showed that root zone soil water prevailed over air temperature and shortwave radiation in affecting rainfed maize development for the most time of the growing period. Biomass production was most sensitive to root zone soil water which had positive variance contributions of 70 – 100% at the early and late vegetative stages and a negative variance contribution of −99.4% at the early reproductive stage. Yield production was also sensitive to root zone soil water at the early reproductive stage with a 100% positive variance contribution. Biomass and yield production were most sensitive to air temperature at the late reproductive stage and the positive variance contributions of air temperature were 97.7 – 100%. Shortwave radiation negatively contributed to biomass production by −28.6% at the late vegetative stage. The findings of this study suggest that more attention could be paid to the most sensitive factor at different growth stages of rainfed maize for great biomass accumulation and high grain yield.

Proximate principles and dry matter digestibility of fodder maize and sugargraze in response to potassium management

The study was carried out to evaluate the forage quality of maize and sugargraze as influenced by different potassium management practices. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design in which two fodder crops, viz. maize and sugargraze, were taken as the main plot, and different potassium management regimes were taken as a subplot. Results revealed that the quality parameters of sugargraze and fodder maize crops, viz. Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash content, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and acid detergent lignin were significantly influenced favourably by potassium management. Comparing the quality parameters, remarkably highest CP (9.70%), total ash content (9.87%) as well as potassium uptake (230 kg/ha) were obtained with 50 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray; however, higher ether extract (1.73%) was recorded in 50 kg K2O + KSB + 2% K2SO4 foliar spray. The fibre fractions, viz. NDF (66.1%), ADF (35.4%) and ADL (4.70%) recorded considerably lower values with 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray over control. The higher values of TDN (59.3%), DMD (63.6 g/kg), RFV (94.7%) and DMI (1.92 g/kg) were recorded in fodder maize over sugargraze with an application of 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray. Therefore, considering all the studied parameters, it can be concluded that getting higher quality green biomass production of fodder maize and sugargraze with the application of 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 would be a more feasible agro-practice.

Effect of Natural Liquid Hydroabsorbents on Ammonia Emission from Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers and Plant Growth of Maize (Zea Mays L.) under Drought Conditions.

The use of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers is associated with significant nitrogen loss through the volatilization. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are common from fertilizers with amide (NH2) and ammonium (NH4) nitrogen forms applied to the soil surface without incorporation. The objective of the laboratory and greenhouse pot experiments was to verify the hypothesis that liquid mineral fertilizers and fertilizer solutions containing N-NH2 and N-NH4 applied to the soil surface in combination with natural hydroabsorbents (NHAs) will reduce the volatilization of nitrogen. The effect of NHAs addition to urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer and urea, ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium sulphate (AS) solutions was evaluated in a laboratory experiment. The effect of the two types of NHAs (acidic and neutral) was compared with the control (UAN) and its mixture with the commercially used urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). The proportion of volatilized NH3 of the total N from the examined fertilizers applied to the soil surface was determined by the titration method. Subsequently, the effect of fertilization with UAN and its mixture with NHAs and NBPT on the growth of maize under the drought conditions was verified in a greenhouse pot experiment. While the addition of NBPT resulted in a reduction of NH3 emission for the fertilizers containing NH2 (UAN, urea solution), a decrease in volatilization after the addition of both acidic and neutral NHA was observed especially for UAN. A reduction in ammonia emission was also observed for AS after the addition of acidic NHA. The addition of both NHAs and NBPT to UAN increased the utilization of nitrogen from the applied fertilizer, which was reflected by an increase in chlorophyll content and increased CO2 assimilation by maize plants grown under the drought stress. UAN fertilizer combined with acidic NHA and NBPT significantly increased aboveground biomass production and root system capacity of maize. Significant increases in UAN nitrogen recovery were observed for all examined additives (UI and both types of NHAs). In addition to the known effects of hydroabsorbents, especially their influence on soil physical and biological properties and soil water retention, the effect of NHAs application in combination with UAN and AS solutions on the reduction of gaseous N loss, maize plant growth and fertilizer nitrogen recovery was found.

Kitchen Waste Biochar Reduces Inorganic Nourishments of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Preparation of biochar from kitchen waste could be a potential way of waste management. This research aimed to prepare biochar and compost from kitchen waste and test their effects on the yield and biomass production of maize. We separated kitchen waste from municipal waste to prepare biochar, compost and ComBio (co-composting with biochar). Four fertilizer combinations viz. T0 = Recommended doses of chemical fertilizer (RDF), T1= biochar (20 t ha-1) + RDF, T2= compost (15 t ha-1) + 75% RDF and T3= ComBio (15 t ha-1) + 50% RDF were used to grow maize. Maize biomass, yield attributing characters and basic soil properties after harvesting maize were measured. Data explored that up to 50% reduction of chemical fertilizer has an insignificant effect on the growth and biomass accumulation of maize. Similarly, yield and yield contributing characteristics of maize such as cob length, cob diameter, the weight of 1000-grains and yield did not vary among the treatments. Further, soil pH, EC, TDS and SOM contents were higher in biochar treated soil compared to other treatments. The results indicate that the application of biochar has the potential to reduce the chemical fertilizer dose of maize by improving soil properties, a prerequisite issue for sustainable crop production.

GREENING THE GROWTH: UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF COMPOST EXTRACT ON SEED GERMINATION AND SOIL-COMPOST MIXTURES ON BIOMASS YIELD AND LEAF CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT

The study, conducted between March and April 2019 at Bangladesh Agricultural University, evaluated the effects of compost extract on the germination, biomass production, and leaf chlorophyll content of rice, wheat, maize, and cowpea seedlings grown in different soil-compost mixtures. The treatments for the germination study were: T0=Control (only water), T1=1:1 compost extract and water, T2=1:5 compost extract and water, T3=1:10 compost extract and water, and T4=1:20 compost extract and water. The treatments for the biomass production and leaf chlorophyll content of seedlings were: T0=Control (500g soil), T1=250g soil and 250g compost, T2=375g soil and 125 g compost, T3=450g soil and 50g compost, T4=500g soil and compost extract (1:10 extract and water), T5=500g soil and compost extract (1:50 compost extract and water) and T6=500g soil and compost extract (1:100 compost extract and water). Data were collected on seed germination at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. of seed placement and those for biomass production and leaf chlorophyll content. Municipal solid waste compost- extract exerted beneficial effect on the germination of rice, wheat, maize and cowpea seeds. Growing seedlings in soil-compost mixtures increased the biomass production and leaf chlorophyll content of rice, wheat, maize and cowpea seedlings but compost- extract showed negative effect.

Slow-Release Humic Acid-Based Zinc Fertilizers Improve Growth and Nutrition of Maize and Brachiaria Grass Successively Grown in Oxisols

Zinc (Zn) fertilization efficiency is often low in Oxisols due to the interaction of Zn with soil constituents and phosphorus (P). When Zn is supplied in soil fertilization as a complex via slow-release organomineral fertilizers (OMFs), it is less prone to react with soil constituents and P, thus increasing the efficiency of Zn supply to crops. However, obtaining effective synthesis routes for the production of enhanced-efficiency Zn-OMFs for Oxisols is still a challenge. In this study, we synthesized Zn-OMFs based on humic acid (HA) components in order to assess features concerning Zn complexation and release kinetics, as well as the agronomic performance of such products on biomass production, and Zn and P nutrition of maize and Brachiaria grass successively grown in two Oxisols with contrasting texture and soil organic matter (OM) content. Infrared analyses indicated that Zn was complexed in OMFs by sulfur and carbon groups, with kinetics studies showing that Zn is gradually released to soil from Zn-OMFs. Consequently, Zn diffusion and initial content in soil solution were reduced in Oxisols. At least one of the OMFs overperformed ZnSO4 in terms of maize biomass production and Zn shoot accumulation. Moreover, residual effects of OMFs were greater than those of ZnSO4 in Oxisols for Brachiaria grass cultivated after maize, with increases in biomass production and shoot Zn content varying depending on OMFs and Oxisol properties. A secondary effect of OMFs increasing P availability in the soil and P uptake by maize and Brachiaria grass plants was also noteworthy. Our findings showed that the overall agronomic performance was greater for OMFs when compared with ZnSO4, which is likely related to the slow release of nutrients by the synthetized OMFs due to Zn complexation by HA.

Radiation use efficiency and biomass production of maize under optimal growth conditions in Northeast China.

Accurate crop growth and radiation use efficiency (RUE) measurements under optimal growth conditions are required to predict grain yield near the genetic growth potential and estimate climate change effects on crop production. Research was conducted to quantify RUE of maize during the whole growth period, vegetative period (VP, phenological development stage DVS < 1.0), and reproductive period (RP, DVS ≥ 1.0) under the optimal growth condition in Northeast China. Maize was grown in three population density treatments (9.0, 7.5, and 6.0 plants m-2, referred to HD, MD, and LD respectively) over three growing seasons (2017-2019). The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) was observed after the anthesis period (DVS = 1.2), ranged from to 4.9 to 6.9, and then gradually decreases. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by the canopy of maize was approximate 10% during the early stage of the vegetative period (DVS < 0.3). Then greatest differences occurred during the late vegetative period (DVS = 0.3 to 0.8). When DVS > 1.0, there is no significant difference between the three population density conditions. Estimates of RUE were obtained based on the intercepted PAR (IPAR) and absorbed PAR (APAR). RUE value was 3.97 g MJ-1 APAR or 3.73 g MJ-1 IPAR in the whole growth period, and did not vary among density treatments. Moreover, maximum RUE occurred during VP (4.11 g MJ-1 APAR) and declined during RP (3.95 g MJ-1 APAR). Therefore, we recommend that maize models that rely on RUE for aboveground biomass accumulation should be using a value of 3.97 g MJ-1 APAR for predicting optimum maize grain yield in Northeast China, especially for the potential yield.

Organic amendments mitigate salinity induced toxic effects in maize by modulating antioxidant defense system, photosynthetic pigments and ionic homeostasis

Salinity stress (SS) is a major and increasing abiotic stress adversely affecting plant growth and productivity across the globe. The application of organic amendments (OA) is considered to be an important practice to mitigate the adverse impacts of SS. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the impact of different OA on growth, physiology and anti-oxidant activities of maize plants grown under SS. The study was comprised of diverse SS levels; 0, 6 and 12 dS m-1, and different OA; control, cow manure (CM: 5%), sugarcane pressmud (SPM: 5%) and combination of CM (2.5%) + SPM (2.5%). The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement having three replications. The results indicated that SS reduced the growth and biomass production, relative water contents (RWC), chlorophyll contents, free amino acids (FAA), total soluble proteins (TSP) and increased the electrolyte leakage (EL: 40.92%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 68.49%), malondialdehyde (MDA: 42.13%), and catalase (CAT: 34.24%) and ascorbate peroxide (APX: 25.70%). The application of OA significantly improved the maize growth under SS. However, the application of SPM (5%) significantly increased growth and biomass production by decreasing EL, MDA and H2O2 accumulation and increasing RWC, chlorophyll, CAT, POD, and anthocyanin, TSP and FAA. These findings suggest that application of SPM improved the growth and biomass production of maize by improving anti-oxidant activities, photosynthetic pigments, TSP, FAA reducing lipid peroxidation and EL.

Deciphering the Effectiveness of Humic Substances and Biochar Modified Digestates on Soil Quality and Plant Biomass Accumulation

The effective use of digestate as exogenous organic matter to enhance soil carbon sequestration depends on the balance between labile and recalcitrant organic carbon, which is influenced by the type of feedstock, the fermentation process, and the fraction (liquid, solid) of the fermented product used. In this work, in order to change the ratio of labile to stable carbon in the resulting fertiliser, the digestate was mixed with organic carbon-rich supplements: biochar and Humac (a humic acid-rich substance). The pot experiment was carried out under controlled conditions with maize (Zea mays L.) in soil amended with the digestate (D), which was incubated with Humac (H), biochar (B), or a combination of both (D + B + H) before the application. Digestate enriched with Humac showed improved short-term nutrient (carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen) transformation, as indicated by soil enzyme activity and the highest maize biomass production of. Total carbon content, C:N ratio, short-term respiration activity, and nitrification were most enhanced by digestate enriched with either biochar or combined biochar + Humac). Long-term nitrogen mineralization was mostly enhanced by digestate + Humac, as indicated by amino-acid-induced respiration and urease activity. Short-term positive effects of digestate + biochar (eventually + Humac) on catabolism were proven, whereas their long-term effects on nutrient mineralization were negative (i.e., biochar-mediated immobilization, sequestration), which should be the focus of further research in future.

Description of maize check genotypes stability for selection on tidal swamp-land for grain production

Determination of check genotypes for maize biomass and grain production on the tidal swamp acid soil environment was randomly picked among the genotypes, regarding of the lack information about check genotypes characteristics on tidal swampland. This study aimed to analyze maize check genotype characteristics on a tidal swamp. Five check genotypes (open-pollinated variety=Sukmaraga, hybrid variety=P27, elite lines=NEI9008, elite lines=MR14, three-way cross hybrid=Bima20URI) was planted among 150 maize lines, tested on tidal swampland in three environment treatment (saturated soil culture/SSC, saturated soil culture+temporary flooding/SSC+TF, and acid dry land/DL). Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design (Augmented RCBD) with five replications was used for this experiment. Data were analyzed using PBSTAT-CL 2.1 statistic tool. The result showed that SSC was the most suitable land management technique for maize plant crops in tidal swamp acid soil. Bima20URI grain biomass production was high in SSC land management of tidal swamp environment. Meanwhile, P27 hybrid variety was ideal for all treatments and adaptable to stressed environment. Sukmaraga was unstable genotype on the and declined on SSC+TF but suitable for SSC. NEI9008 genotypes have high productivity in stressed environments, and MR14 line genotype has stable grain production in every treatment environment yet has lower grain productivity.

Spatial analysis of soil water depletion and biomass production in the transition zone between a Eucalyptus camaldulensis stand and a maize field in Ethiopia

Growth depressions in crops grown adjacent to Eucalyptus stands are often reported. The reasons for this observation range from competition for the resources light, nutrients and water to allelopathic effects. We investigated the effect of a Eucalyptus camaldulensis stand on soil water relations of an adjacent field of Zea mays. We used a geostatistical network spanning the Eucalyptus camaldulensis stand and the maize field. We measured changes in soil water storage in high spatial resolution (356 sample points over 3700 m²) in weekly to monthly intervals. In addition, an intensive root inventory of the Eucalyptus, covering a depth of 3.1 m, as well as aboveground biomass inventories in both land use forms were carried out. The majority of the fine root biomass of the Eucalyptus (70.5%) was found in the first 60 cm soil depth, which corresponded to the depth of the soil moisture measurements. Soil water depletion in the maize field was greatest up to 20 m from the forest edge, which coincided with the zone of least maize biomass production. In contrast, the water depletion across the first 6 m into the forest was 34% lower than in the border zone on the field side. Growth of the Eucalyptus was greatest at the forest edge, and the increased biomass production of the Eucalyptus balanced the decrease in maize production found in the first 20 m of the field. These changes in spatial growth patterns are explained by intense competition for soil water between the Eucalyptus and the maize.

Combinational Variation Temperature and Soil Water Response of Stomata and Biomass Production in Maize, Millet, Sorghum and Rice

Environmental responses of stomatal conductance (gs) as basic information for a photosynthesis-transpiration-coupled model have been increasing under global warming. This study identified the impact of gs behavior under different soil water statuses and temperatures in rice, maize, millet, and sorghum. The experiments consisted of various soil moisture statuses from flooding to drying and combination of soil moisture status and temperature. There was a reduction in shoot biomass of maize and sorghum caused by decreasing of gs, photosynthesis (A), and transpiration (E) in early imposed waterlogging without dependent temperature, whereas millet and rice were dependent on temperature variation. The effect of gradual soil drying, gs, A, and E of maize, millet, and sorghum were caused by low temperature, except rice. The impact of the combination of various soil water statuses and temperatures on gs is important for the trade-off between A and E, and consequently shoot biomass. However, we discovered that an ability to sustain gs is essential for photo assimilation and maintaining leaf temperature through evapotranspiration for biomass production, a mechanism of crop avoidance in variable soil water status and temperature.

Optimized Nitrogen Rate, Plant Density, and Regulated Irrigation Improved Grain, Biomass Yields, and Water Use Efficiency of Maize at the Oasis Irrigation Region of China

Nitrogen is a key factor in maize (Zea mays L.) grain and biomass production. Inappropriate application with sub-optimum plant density and irrigation can lead to low productivity and inefficient use. A two-year field experiment was conducted to determine which nitrogen rate, plant density, and irrigation level optimize grain, biomass yield, and water use efficiency. Three nitrogen rates of urea (46–0–0 of N–P2O5–K2O) (N0 = 0 kg N ha−1, N1 = 270 kg N ha−1, and N2 = 360 kg N ha−1), with three maize densities (D1 = 75,000 plants ha−1, D2 = 97,500 plants ha−1, and D3 = 120,000 plants ha−1), and two irrigation levels (W1 = 5250 m3/hm2 and W2 = 4740 m3/hm2) were investigated. The results show that both grain and biomass yields were affected by the main factors. The interaction between nitrogen rate and irrigation level significantly (p &lt; 0.001) affected grain yield but not biomass. It was observed that the grain yield increased correspondingly with nitrogen rate and plant density, while it decreased as the irrigation level increased. Water use efficiency was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) affected by the main factors and their interactions. Nevertheless, water use efficiency was highest at (5250 m3/hm2) × 270 kg N ha−1; × 360 kg N ha−1 × 120,000 plants ha−1 and increased from 62% to 68%. In addition, the highest biomass yield was recorded at 5250 m3/hm2 × 270 kg N ha−1; × 360 kg N ha−1 × 120,000 plants ha−1 while the interaction of either irrigation level with 0 and 270 kg ha−1 or 97,500 and 120,000 plants ha−1 yielded the lowest water use efficiency. Thus, optimized nitrogen rates, plant density, and alternate irrigation levels can support optimum grain and biomass yields. It can also improve nitrogen and water use efficiency in maize production.

Nitrogen level impact on the production of double row fodder of maize

Maize is the most important crop in Mexico, being central to the diets of consumers, particularly smallholders, and an undetermined amount is allocated as straw, green fodder, and, to a lesser extent, as silage for animal feed. Nitrogen fertilizer is considered one of the most important factors affecting growth, grain yield, and maize biomass production. In this context, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on maize production. A randomized complete block experimental design consisted of three treatments of nitrogen (180, 160, and 80 kg/ha) with three replications and morphological (plant height, stem thickness, and rate of growth), yield, and yield components (cob weight, length, thickness, number of rows per cob, and plant biomass) variables were used. The results suggest that the increase in nitrogen levels increases all the parameters of maize production. However, at 160 kg/ha, the greatest production of fodder was recorded with 5.99 tons/ha, superior to the one reported at 180 kg/ha, which was 5.47 tons/ha. We conclude that the maize fodder production can be optimized with the use of 160 kg/ha in the conditions of the altiplano of San Luis Potosí (Mexico).