Increased Maize Yield Research Articles

Seeding Rate Influence on Rainfed Maize Grain Yield and Components in the Western Corn Belt

Core Ideas Maize seeding over 20,000 kernels ha–1 seldom increased yield in water‐limited western Nebraska. Increased seeding rate increased the number of ears m–2, which was compensated for by other yield components to reduce or maintain grain yield in western Nebraska. Primary yield components had greater effect than secondary yield components in water‐limted western Nebraska, compared with other studies under well‐watered conditions. Grain yield components were analyzed to determine the influence of seeding rate on maize (Zea mays L.) yield under rainfed conditions in the Western Corn Belt. The objectives were to compare maize yield and yield components at four seeding rates in Brule, Ogallala, and North Platte, NE, in 2012 and 2013. Research was conducted by planting multiple maize hybrids at 20,000 to 57,000 kernels ha−1. Grain yield, ears m−2, rows ear−1, kernels ear−1, kernels row−1, 100‐kernel weight, and bulk grain density were determined. Path and regression correlation analyses was used to understand yield determination with seeding rates, and determine yield component relative importance. Seeding rates >20,000 kernels ha−1 only increased maize yield in one environment, whereas decreasing yield by approximately 1 Mg ha−1 in three environments. In the hot, dry 2012 growing season, ears m−2, kernels ear−1, and 100‐kernel weight had positive direct effects on yield for sites with silt loam and loam soil textures, but only the kernels ear−1 for the sandy soil site. In the higher rainfall environments of 2013, positive direct effect of ears m−2 with yield were present, but in the lower rainfall site, ears m−2 had negative direct effect with yield. Based on the magnitude of the direct effects, the yield component ears m−2 was most important for yield determination followed by the kernels ear−1, and lastly kernel weight. Maize should be planted at 20,000 kernels ha−1 in the Western Corn Belt to optimize grain yield and the number of ears m−2 produced.

Combined effects of biochar and fertilizer application on maize production in dependence on the cultivation method in a sub-humid climate

ABSTRACT Low, erratic rainfall amounts and restricted accessibility of chemical fertilizer for rural farmers in developing countries may have negative effects on crop production. Agricultural methods like biochar applications, fertilizer microdosing and tied ridging can help to mitigate these constraints, but have rarely been studied in combination and under varying water availability. A field trial was conducted in split-plot design over two contrasting cropping seasons in 2016 and 2017 in Tanzania to study the effect of these agricultural methods on maize grain yield, biomass, leaf area index, plant height and soil moisture content. In both seasons each with contrasting irrigation frequencies, fertilizer microdosing increased the grain yield of maize. Biochar alone affected the yield only at high application rates (10 t/ha) and low irrigation frequency. However, when combined with fertilizer microdosing the yield effect of biochar was more pronounced. For example, combining 5 t/ha biochar with fertilizer microdosing under flat tillage increased yield by 170% compared to the control without biochar and fertilizers. Tied ridges increased soil moisture content and tended to increase maize yield compared to flat tillage, whereas biochar application resulted in significantly higher soil moisture contents. Fertilizer microdosing with biochar application can be recommended to improve maize yields mainly under flat tillage.

Measuring Maize in South Africa: The Shifting Structure of Production During the Twentieth Century, 1904–2015

ABSTRACTUsing a new compilation of agricultural data, we find that South Africa increased its total maize production from 328,000 tons in 1904 to 1.68 million tons in 1935, and 12.2 million tons centred on 2015. This 6.1-fold increase in overall maize production since 1935 occurred against a 35.7 per cent reduction in the area planted, made possible by an 8.6-fold increase in average maize yields. While commercial farmers now produce 94.6 per cent of the country’s maize crop (on 87.5 per cent of the maize area), that was not always the case. In 1942 smallholder farmers—operating within the former homeland areas and outside those areas—accounted for 20.6 per cent of production and 40.6 per cent of the planted area. The location of production also changed. While the Free State remains the dominant producer with 38.8 per cent of output and 42.7 per cent of planted area in 2015, other regions have gained considerable ground (e.g., Mpumalanga, which now accounts for 23.5 per cent of production, and the Northern Cape, 6.4 per cent). Other provinces have ceded ground (e.g., the North West accounted for 28.5 per cent of production in 1994, down to 17.3 per cent in 2015). We also quantify the shifting shares of white versus yellow maize. Although white maize is still a significant share of overall production (49.6 per cent in 2015), yellow maize is growing at a faster pace as both the area planted to yellow maize and the yield growth thereof has outpaced that of white maize.

SASAKAWA TECHNOLOGY A PANACEA TO MAIZE YIELD IMPROVEMENT AND MEETING THE VAGARIES OF CLIMATE CHALLENGE IN MUBI

This study determines the efficacy of Sasakawa technology to maize yield improvement and meeting the demand of the populace in terms of food crop production at the time of unpredictable weather conditions in Mubi. The field trials were conducted during the 2017 cropping season at the teaching and research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa state University Mubi to evaluate the effect of Sasakawa Technology as a panacea to maize yield improvement and meeting the vagaries of climate change in Mubi. Mubi, located in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Mubi is situated between latitude 100 10’’ and 100 30’’ North of the Equator and between longitude 130 10 and 130 30’’ E of the Greenwich meridian and at an altitude of 696 m above mean sea level (MSL). Extra early white (EEW) variety of maize was obtained from Farm office of the University, were sown at three different sowing dates 19th July, 29th July and 8th August, 2018. There was a large yield difference between the Sasakawa Technology of maize production and local farmers’ output in Mubi, despite the limited opportunities to sustainability and increase in the productivity of the crop in order to adapt to vagaries of climate change. Yields recorded during the three sowing dates were 2,967kg/ha, 2,930kg/ha and 2,921kg/ha while on the neighboring farmer’s field was 1,897kg/ha. It indicated that, the Sasakawa technology used in terms of spacing of 25cm x 25cm between plants and 75cm x75cm between rows, single seed per stand and appropriate fertilizer application increased maize yield more than the neighboring farmers fields. The Sasakawa technology recorded mostly two cobs per stand, longer cobs mean lengths with maximum grain filled and the grains were significantly bigger when compared to the farmer’s fields. Even though some critics argue that, Sasakawa Global 2000 technology deals with high-external-input technologies (HEIT) which are too costly to some farmers, but the out – put out weights the input in terms of yields, economic returns and also sustained the vagaries of climatic effects due to timely sowing and maintenance of the Sasakawa technology techniques. To boost maize production in Mubi and at this time of unpredictable climate and its effects, the Sasakawa technology is recommended to be adopted by the farmers.

Effects of ridge–furrow mulching on soil CO2 efflux in a maize field in the Chinese Loess Plateau

Ridge–furrow mulching system (RFMS) is widely used in arid and semi–arid areas, but its effect on soil respiration (Rs) and its components, including heterotrophic (Rh) and autotrophic respiration (Ra) are still poorly understood. In this study, CO2 flux from the soil of furrows and ridges was measured across different RFMS practices (i.e., three different ridge/furrow ratios) and conventional flat planting (CK). A trenching method was used to estimate the contribution of Rh to Rs. Compared with CK, RFMS significantly increased soil temperature of the ridge, promoted soil moisture of the furrow, and enhanced microbial diversity at the early crop growth stage, resulting in increased Rs and its components. The ridge soils exhibited much higher Rs (3.43 μmol m–2 s–1) than the furrow soils (2.98 μmol m–2 s–1) under all three RFMS practices. The contribution ratios of Rh to Rs across the different practices ranged from 50.4% to 59.6%. Soil temperature rather than soil moisture explained the seasonal variation of Rs and its components for both CK and RFMS. Nonetheless, high Rs and Rh values in RFMS did not induce a decline of soil organic carbon during the two–year experimental period. Improved root growth in RFMS practices may provide more exudates to the soil, thus offsetting soil carbon decomposition. Compared with CK, RFMS with ridge/furrow ratios of 40:70 cm, 55:55 cm, and 70:40 cm, significantly increased soil CO2 emissions by 10.6%, 19.6%, and 20.4%, respectively, while increasing maize yield by 26.1%, 36.4%, and 50.3%, respectively. Carbon emission efficiency (CEE) was significantly higher in RFMS than in CK in both years. This study suggests that, due to its high CEE, RFMS with a ridge/furrow ratio of 70:40 cm could be a highly promising strategy for sustaining crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.

Effect of different drip fertigation methods on maize yield, nutrient and water productivity in two-soils in Northeast China

Maize growth in Northeast China is suffering from climate change (seasonal drought, cold springs) and low nutrient use efficiency caused by one-time fertilization. Drip fertigation is widely used in vegetable and fruit plant production, yet an efficient, practicable and cost-effective drip fertigation system is lacking for maize production. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of different drip fertigation methods for increasing maize yield, and water and nutrient use efficiency in sandy and clay soil. Five irrigation methods were applied in each soil: conventional (rain-fed, CK), drip irrigation (DI), surface drip fertigation (SDF), fertigation plus plastic film mulching (SDFP), and subsurface fertigation (SSDF). Compared with rain-fed method (CK), water optimization by DI increased grain yield by (28% in sandy soil and 12% in clay soil), partial fertilizer productivity (PFP) and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake, without effect on water productivity (WP) in both soils. The optimization of both water and nutrient management by SDF increased grain yield by (41% in sandy soil and 17% in clay soil), PFP and NPK uptake, at greater extent than DI. Furthermore, SDF also increased the water productivity in both soils. Compared with DI, SDF increased post-silking N in both soil, and K accumulation in sandy soil. There was no significant difference in yield and PFP between SDF, SSDF and SDFP methods in both soils. In sandy soil, the net profit of DI, SDF, SSDF and SDFP was 13%, 28%, 31% and 10% higher than that of CK, respectively. In clay soil, However, No obvious advantage in net income was found in either DI or fertigation treatments. SDF and SSDF are recommended to increase maize yield, water and nutrient use efficiency, as well as economic benefit synchronously in sandy soil.

Conservation farming in rain-fed agriculture: can biogeotextile, cover crop residues, and soil tillage application improve the growth and the yield of maize (Zea mays L.)?

Market demand for maize ( Zea mays L.) in Indonesia is increasing from time to time along with the increasing demand for food and livestock for fodder. However, current farming practices in the upland area where maize usually cultivated, threaten the sustainability of maize production. Conservation farming could be an alternative to reduce land and soil degradation caused by current farming practices. A factorial randomized block designed field experiment was conducted to determine the combined effect of biogeotextile with cover crop residues and soil tillage on growth and yield of maize. The treatments included utilization of Mendong plant’s mat ( Fimbrystilis globulosa ) as biogeotextile material and four cover crop species: Sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea ), Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan ), and Mucuna (M ucuna spp ). The results showed that the biogeotextile mat and cover crop residues, but not soil tillage, increased maize height and the number of leaves, and yield of maize. Biogeotextile mulch increased maize yield up to 43% compared to control. The highest yield (8.0 t/ha) was shown by the combination of biogeotextile application with cowpea residues. Conservation farming is prospective for improving plant production and protecting land from degradation.

Corralling, planting density, and N fertilizer rate effect on soil properties, weed diversity, and maize yield

ABSTRACTThe interaction effect of stocking density of sheep and goat corralling (SDSG), maize planting density (MPD), and N fertilizer rate (NFR) on soil properties, weed diversity, and maize yield were evaluated on-farm in a smallholder maize-livestock farming system of Northern Ghana during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. A split-split plot design replicated on eight farms was used to study the effect of three SDSG (0, 70, and 140 head ha−1), three MPD (66 667, 100 000, and 133 333 plants ha−1), and three NFR (0–40-40, 60–40-40, and 90–40-40 NPK kg ha−1). The SDSG at 70 and 140 head ha−1 increased (P < 0.01) soil chemical and biological properties and weed diversity compared with the control in both cropping seasons. Maize growth, yield and yield components, and weed biomass were affected (P < 0.05) by the SDSG, MPD, and NFR interactions. Maize-livestock farmers with smaller flock size could use SDSG at 70 head ha−1 with NFR at 90 kg ha−1, whilst those with large flock size could stock at 140 head ha−1 with NFR at 60 kg ha−1 and MPD at 133 333 plants ha−1 for increased maize yield and weed management.

Deep soils modify environmental consequences of increased nitrogen fertilizer use in intensifying Amazon agriculture

Agricultural intensification offers potential to grow more food while reducing the conversion of native ecosystems to croplands. However, intensification also risks environmental degradation through emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrate leaching to ground and surface waters. Intensively-managed croplands and nitrogen (N) fertilizer use are expanding rapidly in tropical regions. We quantified fertilizer responses of maize yield, N2O emissions, and N leaching in an Amazon soybean-maize double-cropping system on deep, highly-weathered soils in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Application of N fertilizer above 80 kg N ha−1 yr−1 increased maize yield and N2O emissions only slightly. Unlike experiences in temperate regions, leached nitrate accumulated in deep soils with increased fertilizer and conversion to cropping at N fertilization rates >80 kg N ha−1, which exceeded maize demand. This raises new questions about the capacity of tropical agricultural soils to store nitrogen, which may determine when and how much nitrogen impacts surface waters.

Uptake and Exportation of Micronutrients by Transgenic Cultivars of Maize Under No-tillage in the Brazilian Cerrado

Introducing cultivars of high productive potential with adequate agronomic management has contributed to the increase of maize yield in Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the extraction and exportation of micronutrients by modern maize hybrids grown in no-tillage system in the Cerrado region (Brazilian Savannah) with two fertilization levels. We established two crop environments with differentiated levels of soil fertilization, use of products for seed treatment and leaf fertilization, in which four transgenic hybrids were grown. For each environment, we used an experimental design of randomized blocks with four replicates. There were eleven plant samplings during the crop cycle to quantify dry mass production and Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn extraction. Micronutrient uptake is increased when a hybrid with higher potential for biomass production grows in an environment with greater supply of nutrients. Uptake persists throughout the maize cycle, including during the final stages of the reproductive phase, showing late demand for the crop. On average, after tasseling, about 39, 50, 42, and 49% of the total Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn absorption still occurs, respectively. Total uptake of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn are, respectively, around 8, 199, 58 and 40 g to produce a tonne of grain, from which 23, 5, 8, and 42% are exported by the harvest. Micronutrient uptake and exportation rates for the studied transgenic hybrids are lower than the ones previously reported in Brazil and in works abroad.

Effect of Growth Promoter Supplement on Yield and Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

GROWTH promoters or biostimulants have been called for the supplements that contain nutrients, amino acids and plant extracts. One of them would be taken into consideration to increase the production of plants is the growth promoter VIUSID agro. To study the effect of VIUSID agro on the maize grain yield (ton ha-1) as well as grain quality, two field experiments were carried out in the experimental field of Agric. Res. Stat., Fac. Agric., Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt in 2015 and 2016 seasons.With this aim, five maize cultivars (Namely, the single cross hybrids SC-30k9, SC-110, SC-30k8, the three way cross hybrid TWC-310 and the open-pollinated composite Cairo-1) were evaluated under four dosages, i.e., 0.0, 0.96, 1.44 and 2.0L ha-1 of foliar spraying of theVIUSID agro. Means under the dosage of 0.96L ha-1 of theVIUSID agro significantly exceeded the control by 26.19% for grain yield ha-1 (GYH), 8.89% for grain protein percentage (GP%), 45.39% for protein yield/ha, 3.14% for grain oil percentage (GO%), 40.44% for oil yield ha-1 (OYH) and 33.29% for carbohydrate yield/ha. It was concluded that increasing maize yield ha-1and grain quality in the present investigation could be achieved by applying the low dosage (0.96L ha-1) of VIUSID agro.

Quantifying nutrient deposition and yield levels of maize (Zea mays) under Faidherbia albida agroforestry system in Zambia

Abstract Inherently low soil fertility and costly chemical fertilizers contribute to low maize yield and food insecurity among rural smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of fertilizer trees such as Faidherbia albida (Faidherbia) to improve the soil fertility and yield of maize is recognized by many as a good practice. This study examined the litterfall pattern, quantity, and nutrient deposition from 8-, 15- and 22-year old Faidherbia trees at two locations in Zambia before and during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 rainy seasons. Litterfall including its nutrient content was estimated using nylon mesh litter traps erected under three randomly selected representative Faidherbia trees of each age. Further, we assessed the yield levels of maize grown under 8-, 15- and 22-year old Faidherbia trees. All trees started dropping litter before the onset of the rains in both seasons. The leaf litterfall averages of the two seasons were 1.6, 1.7 and 3.8 t DM ha−1 from 8-, 15- and 22-year-old trees, respectively. These litterfall quantities translate to potential carbon and nutrient deposition of 0.7–1.6 t C ha−1, 34–83 kg N ha−1, 1.8–4.3 kg P ha−1 and 10–26 kg K ha−1 per year. The yield levels of maize for the two growing seasons under Faidherbia tree canopy were 7–12 times higher than from outside the canopy, and these yield differences were much more pronounced in the driest year (2015/16 growing season). The large nutrient deposition through litterfall and increase in maize yield under Faidherbia tree canopies show the potential of these trees to contribute to food security and mitigate the risk of crop failure on resource-poor smallholder farmers’ fields, especially in drought years.

Benefits and limitations to straw- and plastic-film mulch on maize yield and water use efficiency: A meta-analysis across hydrothermal gradients

Abstract Ridge-furrow mulching can reduce soil evaporation and conserve rainfall, thereby increasing crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in dryland cropping systems. In this study, we collected 837 observations from 50 published papers and used meta-analysis to investigate whether ridge-furrow and mulching practices are equally effective on maize yield, WUE and evapotranspiration (ET) across a range of precipitation and temperature gradients and soil types in China. Five practices were included: (i) straw mulch on flat plots (SMF), (ii) straw mulch on ridge-furrow plots (SMR), (iii) plastic mulch on flat plots (PMF), (iv) plastic mulch on ridge-furrow plots (PMR), and (v) flat plots without mulch, which was used as a control (CK). The meta-analysis showed that both straw mulch and plastic mulch significantly increased maize yields and WUE (except for SMR), and that plastic mulch was more effective than straw mulch in increasing yields, particularly in cold and dry environments. PMR has the highest yields and is more effective in clay loam than in silt loam soils. Straw mulch, but particularly plastic mulch, increased the soil moisture compared to the CK, while plastic mulch increased soil temperature, mainly in spring. However, the positive effect of plastic mulch on maize yield diminished with increasing mean growing-season temperature and precipitation, reaching zero (similar to the CK of no mulch and flat plots) when the growing-season precipitation was greater than 770 mm and the mean growing-season air temperature exceeded 24 °C. The small benefit of straw mulch (on average about 12%) was similar across the precipitation and temperature gradients, including when the benefits of plastic mulch reached zero. While our analysis has shown the benefits of ridge-furrow plastic mulch on yield and water-use efficiency, it has also highlighted the limitations of the benefits. The results provide a guide to the regions where plastic-film mulch and ridge-furrow planting are likely to improve maize yields and regions where the benefits are likely to be limited.

One-time root-zone N fertilization increases maize yield, NUE and reduces soil N losses in lime concretion black soil

Excess N-fertilizer application and inappropriate fertilization methods have led to low N use efficiency (NUE) and high N leaching. A field experiment was performed in a typical lime concretion black soil area to compare N application methods: split surface broadcasting (SSB) and one-time root-zone fertilization (RZF) on grain yield, NUE, the fate of 15N urea and soil N loss during the 2015 and 2016 maize growing seasons. Each application method was tested at N rates of 135 and 180 kg N ha−1, and a control (CK) with no N fertilizer. The RZF treatment remarkably increased grain yield by 7.0% compared with SSB treatment under 180 kg N ha−1, and significantly increased N derived from fertilizer by 28.5%. The residual 15N in the 0–80 cm soil layer was 40.6–47.6% after harvest, 61.8–70.9% of which was retained in 0–20 cm. The RZF remarkably increased the 15N recovery in maize by 28.7%, while significantly decreased the potential N losses by 30.2% compared with SSB in both seasons. In conclusion, one-time RZF of urea is recommended for obtaining high yields, increasing NUE, and minimizing N losses in maize, which deserves more attention for developing and applying in the future.

The impact of conservation tillage on maize yield and input demand: the case of smallholder farmers in north‐west Ethiopia

This study analyses the economics of conservation tillage (CT) with respect to its effect on maize yield and chemical fertiliser, herbicide, and female and male labour demand. We estimate production and input demand functions using seemingly unrelated regressions on plot‐level cross‐sectional farm household data collected in the north‐west of Ethiopia. A two‐step control function is applied to address potential endogeneity bias due to the inclusion of the CT adoption decision as an explanatory variable. Our results show that CT increases maize yield and chemical fertiliser demand. Additionally, the results show that the adoption of CT reduces female and male labour required for crop production. However, this is achieved through the increased use of herbicides, which might have an undesirable health and environmental effects.

The important but weakening maize yield benefit of grain filling prolongation in the US Midwest.

A better understanding of recent crop yield trends is necessary for improving the yield and maintaining food security. Several possible mechanisms have been investigated recently in order to explain the steady growth in maize yield over the US Corn-Belt, but a substantial fraction of the increasing trend remains elusive. In this study, trends in grain filling period (GFP) were identified and their relations with maize yield increase were further analyzed. Using satellite data from 2000 to 2015, an average lengthening of GFP of 0.37days per year was found over the region, which probably results from variety renewal. Statistical analysis suggests that longer GFP accounted for roughly one-quarter (23%) of the yield increase trend by promoting kernel dry matter accumulation, yet had less yield benefit in hotter counties. Both official survey data and crop model simulations estimated a similar contribution of GFP trend to yield. If growing degree days that determines the GFP continues to prolong at the current rate for the next 50years, yield reduction will be lessened with 25% and 18% longer GFP under Representative Concentration Pathway 2.6 (RCP 2.6) and RCP 6.0, respectively. However, this level of progress is insufficient to offset yield losses in future climates, because drought and heat stress during the GFP will become more prevalent and severe. This study highlights the need to devise multiple effective adaptation strategies to withstand the upcoming challenges in food security.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Sorbents in the Remediation of Soil Contaminated with Zinc

Zinc exerts negative effects on soil and contributing to the degradation of soil ecosystems. New solutions for restoring healthy soil activity are therefore needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sorbents in the biological remediation of soil contaminated with zinc. A pot experiment was conducted on loamy sand. The tested plant was maize (Zea mays). Soil was contaminated with zinc chloride doses of 0, 100, 300, and 900 mg Zn2+ kg−1 DM soil (dry matter of soil). Alginate, biochar, sepiolite, calcined halloysite, and a molecular sieve were added to soil in amounts corresponding to 2.5% of soil weight to minimize zinc’s potentially toxic effects on the biological properties of soil. The application of zinc stimulated the proliferation of all analyzed microbial groups. Zinc exerted negative effects on the ecophysiological diversity (EP) of fungi and the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase, and acid phosphatase. The applied sorbents modified the microbiological and biochemical properties of soil. In zinc-contaminated soil, alginate, biochar, and molecular sieve increased the counts of organotrophic, oligotrophic, and actinobacteria. Sorbents were not highly effective in promoting fungal growth and exerted varied effects on the activity of soil enzymes. The molecular sieve stimulated the activity of all soil enzymes, excluding β-glucosidase. Alginate minimized the negative influence of zinc on dehydrogenases and acid phosphatase, and biochar—on catalase, sepiolite, and calcined halloysite —on acid phosphatase. By modifying the biological properties of soil, the tested sorbents contributed to an increase in maize yields and a decrease in zinc uptake by maize plants.

Effects of Subsoiling Tillage on Soil Properties, Maize Root Distribution, and Grain Yield on Mollisols of Northeastern China

Core Ideas Subsoil tillage (∼30 cm) reduced compaction and increased moisture and N availability on Mollisols. Subsoiling increased the vertical and horizontal distribution of maize roots between rows rather than in row. Grain and dry matter yield were 6.3 and 3.7% greater under subsoiling than conventional tillage. Subsoiling increased maize yield due to improved soil conditions and roots distribution. Soil compaction creates unfavorable soil physical and nutrient conditions, restrains root penetration and distribution, and reduces crop yield. A field experiment was established to assess the effects of tillage treatments on soil properties, root distribution, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on some Mollisols of Northeastern China. The two treatments included in rotary tillage (RT) and subsoiling tillage (ST). The results showed that soil bulk density, penetration resistance, soil moisture, available nitrogen content, root distribution of maize, and grain yield were significantly affected by tillage systems. Compared with RT, ST had lower soil bulk density and penetration resistance, but greater soil moisture and available nitrogen contents, especially in subsoil layer (i.e., 15‐ to 45‐ cm). The ST practice significantly increased the average root length density by 13.0% than that of RT mainly due to better vertical and horizontal distribution between the rows. Average grain yield and dry matter weight of maize increased by 693 kg ha−1 (6.3%) and 933 kg ha−1 (3.7%), respectively, under ST compared with those under RT. These data show that subsoiling tillage can loosen the soil, fracture the plow pan, increase the availability and infiltration of soil moisture and nitrogen in subsoil layers, improve the vertical and horizontal extension of maize root system in the soil, and increase grain yield on Mollisols of Northeastern China.

Delaying Wheat Seeding Time and Maize Harvest Improved Water Use Efficiency in a Warm Temperature Continental Monsoon Climate

Double‐Delay cropping patterns can significantly reduce agricultural water consumption without yield reduction. Annual decreased water content is attributed to the decreased water content in winter wheat season. Late sown winter wheat consumes less water before pre‐winter. Increased maize yield offset reduced wheat yield in appropriate Double‐Delay systems. Appropriate Double‐Delay cropping patterns increase annual profit. This study examined the impact of delaying the sowing time of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and harvesting time of maize (Zea mays L.) on crop yields in a region with a warm temperature continental monsoon climate. According to farmers’ practice (FP), we employed three treatments that each delayed both the maize harvesting and wheat sowing for 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d. No significant differences were observed in annual grain yield among the FP, delayed 10 d (DHS‐10), and delayed 20 d treatments (DHS‐20), while the results for these treatments were significantly higher than those in delayed 30 d treatment (DHS‐30). For all of the treatments, the grain yield of winter wheat decreased with the delay of sowing and the grain yield of summer maize increased with the delay of harvesting. For annual rotation, improved grain yield in maize season compensated for reduced yield in wheat season, for both DHS‐10 and DHS‐20 treatments compared with FP. Total water consumption followed as FP, DHS‐10, DHS‐20, and DHS‐30 order. Total water consumption in DHS‐10 and DHS‐20 treatments decreased by 5.6 and 10.7%, respectively, compared with FP. Higher net economic benefits compared to FP was also obtained in DHS‐10 (+ 495.4 ¥ ha−1) and DHS‐20 (+ 877.0 ¥ ha−1) treatments. In conclusion, DHS‐20 treatment not only substantially reduced total water consumption, but also maintained stable annual yield and increased profits.

English

Domestic production only supplies half of Somalia&rsquo;s cereal requirements and more than half of the country&rsquo;s population is considered food insecure.&nbsp; In this study, the Somali Agriculture Technical Group (SATG) used an on-farm participatory research approach to compare the economic viability and plant yield parameters of an improved maize production system (SATG system) with those of the traditional farming systems (traditional system) of the Lower Shebelle region of Somalia. The SATG system included urea, diammonium phosphate, insecticide application, and a greater than average planting population. This research was conducted on seventy-seven farms located near the villages of Afgoi and Awdhegle during the 2014/15 Deyr season and was compared with results from a similar 2014 Gu season trial. Significant plant yield and harvested plant population differences emerged for crop management system, location, and season. In the 2014/15 Deyr season, implementation of the SATG system yielded 124% more grain than the traditional system (SATG = 3,970 kg ha-1) and had 28% more plants at harvest (SATG = 37,300 plants ha-1). Analysis of 2014/15 Deyr season cost and revenue revealed that, while production costs associated with the SATG system were higher than those associated with the traditional system, greater net revenues and profit reliability were observed for the SATG system. When plant growth and yield parameters were compared across seasons, both the SATG and traditional systems exhibited greater yields and harvested plant populations in the 2014 Gu season. In both seasons, the greatest grain yields were observed on farms near Awdhegle. As soil fertility appears to be the primary maize yield constraint in the region, these locational differences may have may have resulted from underlying locational differences in soil electrical conductivity. Throughout the Lower Shebelle, however, implementation of the SATG system appears to increase maize yields and improve farm net income. Key words: Deyr, fertility, maize, net income, on-farm, Somalia, participatory.