Maize Sowing Research Articles

Optimization of sowing date for spring maize in China's loess plateau based on presowing temperature and soil water content.

The sowing date of spring maize in China's Loess Plateau is often restricted by the presowing temperature and soil water content (SWC). The effective measurement of the effects of presowing temperature and SWC on the sowing date is a major concern for agricultural production in this region. In this paper, we considered the average daily air temperature of ˃10 °C in the 7 days before sowing. The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model was used to simulate a spring maize yield under distinct combinations of SWC and sowing date for 51 years (1970-2020). Subsequently, through the cumulative probability distribution function, the contribution of presowing SWC to the spring maize yield was quantified, and the optimal sowing date of spring maize in each production location was determined. The results revealed that the daily average temperature of ˃10 °C for 7 days consecutively can be used effectively as the basis for the simulation of spring maize sowing date. The presowing SWC affected the spring maize yield but did not change the optimal sowing date. When the SWC of each study site is about 70% of the field capacity, Wenshui and Yuanping can properly delay sowing, and Lin county can sow early to obtain a higher yield. This study provides an effective approach for optimizing presowing soil moisture management and the sowing date of spring maize in the semiarid regions of the Loess Plateau. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING SYSTEM OF MAIZE/BLACK GRAM IN SURKHET VALLEY, NEPAL

Maize (Zea mays L.), the queen of cereals, is planted with wide spacing and so it offers the scope of intercropping. Considering the benefits of cereal-legume association, an experiment on Maize/ Black Gram intercropping system was conducted during the summer season of 2022 at Shree Nepal Rashtriya Chandraganga Secondary School, Karnali province, Surkhet District. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design split into three blocks, each with seven plots and treatments were comprised of seven cropping systems, namely, T1: Maize/ black gram in additive series, T2: Maize/ black gram in replacement series, T3: Maize + Black Gram (1:2), T4: Maize + Black gram (1:1), T5: Maize + Black Gram (2:2), T6: Sole maize (Zea mays) and T7: Sole black gram (Vigna mungo L.). Line sowing of Arun-2 maize was done with a spacing of 60 cm × 25 cm in sole maize. A Khajura Mash-1 variety of black gram was sown with 25 cm × 10 cm spacing. As per the treatments, single and double rows of intercrops were taken in between maize. The result indicated that intercropped legumes improved the yield components of maize and offered some bonus yield. The maximum maize grain yield (2258 kgha-1) was noted with sole maize and sole black gram (793kgha-1). It was followed by Maize/Black gram with 1:2 ratios (2031 kgha-1) and (703 kgha-1) respectively. The intercropping combination of maize + black gram (1:2) recorded the highest net return having benefit-cost ratio of 1.76. Similarly, the lowest maize grain yield (1718 kg ha-1) and (476kgha-1) was noted with Maize + Black gram in the replacement series. But the lowest benefit cost was recorded at 1.37 in Maize/ Black gram (2:2). Intercropping had a significant effect on all treatments and was best performed in maize and black gram (1:2) treatment at Surkhet condition.

Seeding Pattern Impact at Crop Density Establishment and Grain Yield of Maize

Maize is the most represented grain crop on the world’s arable land. It is mostly grown using standard sowing at an inter-row distance of 70 cm. However, growing in two rows (double-row sowing) is increasingly common today. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of different spatial distributions of the same population of maize plants on the yield of maize grains in a larger range of the FAO maize hybrid maturing group. The experiment lasted 5 years and was set up at two locations in Jakšić (Požeško-Slavonia County) and Lužani (Brodsko-Posavina County). Maize sowing with standard sowing was carried out with a PSK OLT seed drill with an inter-row spacing of 70 cm, while double-row sowing was carried out with a MaterMacc Twin Row-2 seed drill in two rows spaced 22 cm apart in a zigzag arrangement and 48 cm apart between adjacent sowing furrows. In the experiment, a total of three types of maize hybrids were used: H1-Kashmir (FAO 390 maturing group), H2-Kapitolis (FAO 400 maturing group) and H3-Konfites (FAO 450 maturing group). With standard maize sowing, an average set of plants was achieved: 71,946 plants ha−1 (Kashmir), 71,714 plants ha−1 (Kapitolis) and 72,205 plants ha−1 (Konfites), while the double-row sowing achieved a set of plants of 72,166 plants ha−1, 72,104 plants ha−1 and 72,576 plants ha−1. The two-row sowing of the hybrid Kapitolis and Konfites recorded a statistically significant higher set of maize plants. The yield of maize grains in all three types of the hybrid was statistically and significantly higher by 943 kg ha−1 using two-row sowing, and the highest yield was achieved by the Kashmir hybrid (13,406 kg ha−1).

EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF HEAT STRESS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.): A REVIEW

A vital crop in various agro-ecological regions, Maize (Zea mays L.) ranks second only to rice in terms of cultivation in Nepal. Although Maize is considered heat resistant, exposing it to the temperature exceeding 37-degree Celsius results in the heat stress reducing its productivity. Threat of global warming is real with the changing climate, studies indicate future heat waves will likely be more severe and persistent, negatively impacting the productivity. Reduced plant height, decreased leaf area, and delayed flowering are some of the consequences of heat stress in maize plants. It disrupts photosynthetic efficiency, damaging photosynthetic machinery, reducing enzyme activity, and impairing chloroplast functioning. Furthermore, heat stress induces ROS causing cell membrane damage, disruption of enzymatic activities, ultimately resulting in stunted plant growth and productivity. During the flowering stage, heat stress reduces the number of florets, impairs silk and grain development, and promotes premature senescence, leading to a shorter plant lifespan and decreased grain yield. Early sowing of maize, effective irrigation and nutrient management can help reduce soil temperature, enhance water use efficiency and minimize heat stress. The adoption of heat-resistant maize varieties and improved breeding techniques is also essential for mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress in maize cultivation. This paper addresses the consequences of heat stress on maize, including effects on growth, photosynthetic characteristics, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reproductive development, premature senescence, and overall grain yield while also exploring strategies for mitigating the impacts of heat stress on maize through agronomic practices and breeding.

Produtividade e exportação de nutrientes em um consórcio de milho e gramíneas forrageiras nas condições do semiárido

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the productive performance and nutrient export of maize intercropped with drought-tolerant forage grasses. The experimental design was a randomized blocks in a 2x2x2+1 factorial scheme (two forage grasses species – Massai and Buffel; two forage sowing methods - in the furrow and broadcast; and two forage sowing times - anticipated and simultaneous; and monoculture maize as an additional control), with three replicates. The maize+forage intercropping promoted greater competition for resources, especially water, limiting N uptake, chlorophyll synthesis, and biomass production by maize under semiarid conditions. Early sowing gave forage plants a competitive advantage, favoring forage establishment before or immediately after the sowing of maize. Thus, the simultaneous sowing of forage grasses in a semiarid environment is a more appropriate option considering the importance of high levels of chlorophyll to ensure high photosynthetic activity in maize plants and greater capacity of biomass synthesis. Massai intercropped with maize exhibits a greaterpotential for biomass production than Buffel under semiarid conditions. Maize+Buffel result in highest macronutrient export by maize, while maize+Massai result in highest macronutrient exports by total forage biomass under a semiarid environment. The choice of the forage species and its sowing time in relation to maize are the main determinants of successful intercropping systems under semiarid conditions.

Efficiency of herbicide treatment for productivity of the maize hybrid ‘Zernogradsky 354 MV’

The current paper has presented the study results of the application of herbicides ‘Meister Power MD’; ‘Remus VDG’; ‘Dianat, VR’; ‘Sekator Turbo, MD’ as elements of maize cultivation technology in the southern part of the Rostov region. Field trials were carried out in 2019–2021. The object of the study was the maize hybrid ‘Zernogradsky 354MV’, (included in the State List of Breeding Achievements in the 6th (North Caucasian) region in 2010). The purpose of the study was an economic and agronomic estimation of the application of herbicides ‘Meister Power MD’; ‘Remus VDG’; ‘Dianat, VR’; ‘Sekator Turbo, MD’ in the southern part of the Rostov region when cultivating maize for grain. The soil of the experimental plot was ordinary calcareous heavy loamy blackearth (chernozem) on loess-like loams. The content of humus in the arable layer was 3.36 %, pH was 7.0, P2O5 was 24.4; K2O was 360 mg/kg of soil. The hydrothermal coefficient during a vegetation period of maize was 0.62 in 2019; 0.70 in 2020; 0.86 in 2021. Thus, during the study years, the humidification conditions were very arid. As a result of the conducted study, it was revealed that the application of herbicides ‘Meister Power MD’; ‘Remus VDG’; ‘Dianat, VR’; ‘Sekator Turbo, MD’ had a positive effect on the phytosanitary conditions of maize sowing. The weediness reduced on 95.3–97.1 %. The grain productivity increase due to the application of herbicides was significant and amounted to 0.28– 0.53 t/ha or 17.4–24.2 % compared with that of the control. The cost of the herbicide ‘Meister Power, MD’ (5670 rubles per hectare norm) did not contribute to its high payback. The maximum payback was identified in the variant with the complex application of herbicides ‘Remus, VDG’ + ‘Dianat, BP’ and amounted to 5.50 rubles/rub. The application of herbicides ‘Remus, VDG’ and ‘Sekator Turbo, MD’ was also cost-effective with a payback of 5.36 and 5.45 rubles/rub., respectively.

The harmfulness ofwestern corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) under the conditions of perennial repeated maize sowing

Kukuruzna zlatica (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) pripada najvažnijim štetnicima kukuruza. Istraživanje je provedeno u Gorjanima tijekom 2020. godine s ciljem utvrđivanja kako ponovljena sjetva kukuruza utječe na pojavu i brojnost kukuruzne zlatice, razinu oštećenja korijena, tolerantnost biljaka te prinos. Zasijan je hibrid kukuruza OS 378 u dva tretmana (ponovljena sjetva i monokultura tri godine). Štete uzrokovane hranidbom ličinaka utvrđene su očitanjem oštećenja korijena. Tolerantnost biljaka utvrđena je očitanjem veličine korijena i razvoja sekundarnoga korijenja, a let imaga pratio se žutim ljepljivim pločama. Prisutnost kukuruzne zlatice zabilježena je na objema istraživanim parcelama. Prosječna brojnost imaga po danu i mamcu u ponovljenoj sjetvi iznosila je 1,07, a u trogodišnjoj monokulturi 0,99. Oštećenje korijena ocijenjeno je prosječnom ocjenom 0,75 (ponovljena sjetva), odnosno 1,25 (trogodišnja monokultura). Veličina korijena ocijenjena je prosječnim ocjenama 2,50 (ponovljena sjetva) i 3,70 (trogodišnja monokultura), a prosječni porast sekundarnoga korijenja s 3,20 (ponovljena sjetva), odnosno 3,05 (trogodišnja monokultura). Lošije ocjene korijena bile su kod uzgoja kukuruza u trogodišnjoj monokulturi, što ukazuje kako dodatna godina monokulture može uzrokovati veće štete. Prinos kukuruza u ponovljenoj sjetvi bio je viši za 2,53 t/ha u odnosu na trogodišnju monokulturu. Preporuča se izbjegavanje daljnje sjetve kukuruza na ovim površinama te poštivanje višegodišnjega plodoreda.

Sensors installation position and its interference on the precision of monitoring maize sowing

Uniform seed distribution upon the soil and sowing speed are directly related to crop quality and productivity. The present research aims to evaluate the influence of the sowing monitoring sensor installation position, based on the readings obtained on a testing bench, during the distribution of maize seeds with a pneumatic meter, subjected to different operating speeds. The experiment eventuates on a static simulation bench, with a completely randomized design, double factorial, the first factor being the sensor installation position (upper, middle, and lower portion of the conductive tube and conveyor belt), and the second the simulated speeds of 3.0; 5.0; 7.0; 9.0 and 11.0 km h−1. The measured parameters for the evaluation of seed distribution were the frequency of double, flawed, and acceptable deposition, its coefficient of variation, and precision index, acquired from five replicates of 250 consecutive spacings. The results show that the monitoring sensor installation position directly interferes with the reading efficiency, with plenty of erroneous readings acquired in the middle and upper placements. The experiment reveals that the sensor tends to be more assertive when installed on the final portion of the conductive tube.

Optimization of sowing date and irrigation schedule of maize in different cropping systems by APSIM for realizing grain mechanical harvesting in the North China Plain

Grain mechanical harvesting can decrease the harvest cost and improve the efficiency of maize production. However, the optimization of the sowing date and irrigation schedule of maize in existing studies rarely considered the grain mechanical harvesting. Therefore, the sowing date and irrigation schedule of two maize cultivars in three cropping systems was optimized by considering yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and grain mechanical harvesting. The quality of grain mechanical harvesting is mainly influenced by grain moisture content. Thus, Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was coupled with a grain dry down model to simulate maize production in the northern part of the North China Plain (NCP). The latest date for grain mechanical harvesting of maize was analyzed using the date when the grain moisture content decreased to 25% for the first time (DCM25). The DCM25, yield, WUE, and irrigation amount were used as constraints in the optimization. The results showed that, the optimal sowing dates under full irrigation of spring maize in SM (monocropping maize system), spring maize and summer maize in WMM (winter wheat-summer maize-spring maize system) for Huanong887 were from 6th May to 10th June, from 6th May to 16th May and 10th June, respectively. The optimal sowing dates of spring maize in SM were from 1st May to 5th June for Zhengdan958. The summer maize in DWM (winter wheat-summer maize double cropping system) could not achieve high-quality grain mechanical harvesting when using Huanong887 and Zhengdan958. In different hydrological year types, the optimal irrigation schedule with grain mechanical harvesting involved irrigation (80 mm each time) 1–3 times during sowing, jointing and flowering stages of spring maize in SM and summer maize in WMM. For spring maize in WMM, the optimal irrigation schedule involved irrigation 2–3 times during sowing, jointing, and flowering stages. The optimization method could provide a reference for other sites to promote high-efficient maize production.

Effect of Different Rates and Time of Application of Phosphorus on Yield, Soil Fertility, Nutrient Uptake and Monetary Returns of No-till Maize (Zea mays L.) after Lowland Rice

Field experiment was conducted during dry seasons for 2 consecutive years at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on no-till maize after lowland kharif rice on sandy clay loam soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. Treatments executed are three Phosphorus levels (30, 45 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three Phosphorus application times (at 10 days before harvest of rice, at the time of sowing of maize and at the time of first irrigation to maize). The results revealed that application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded superior grain and stover yield, gross returns, net returns, benefit cost ratio and nutrient uptake (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) at crop harvest over that of 45 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. But, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 left behind the soil with lower amount of available Nitrogen and Potassium and higher Phosphorus status after harvest of the crop. Application of phosphorus at 10 days before harvest of rice and at the time of sowing of maize being on par resulted in better grain and stover yield of maize, gross returns, net returns, benefit cost ratio and nutrient uptake (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) at crop harvest over its delayed application (at the time of first irrigation to maize). The application of Phosphorus at 10 days before harvest of rice or at the time of sowing of maize depleted greater amount of available Phosphorus from the soil than its application along with first irrigation.

Limited Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Factors on the Efficacy of Soil Insecticides and Entomopathogenic Nematodes when Managing the Maize Pest Diabrotica v. virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious pest that infects maize. Insecticides or entomopathogenic nematodes are used to control the root-damaging larvae. However, such treatments are reportedly inconsistent in terms of efficacy under farming conditions. To better understand the reasons behind these inconsistencies, we studied the control efficacy of seed coatings, such as clothianidin; granular soil insecticides, such as cypermethrin and tefluthrin; and fluid-applied entomopathogenic nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae). We assessed the influence of 12 biotic and 20 abiotic factors on the reduction of Diabrotica v. virgifera populations and on the prevention of root damage in 20 field-scale experiments in Hungary between 2010 and 2020. Results confirmed that all treatment types are able to control pest populations and prevent root damage, but with high variability. Our analyses showed that most investigated factors, for example, air temperature, most soil parameters, and pest infestation levels, did not influence the efficacy of the treatments. The efficacy of clothianidin in preventing root damage decreased slightly with increasing soil bulk density but improved with late maize sowing, and therefore late treatment, as well as with increasing soil moisture in July. The efficacy of cypermethrin in preventing damage improved slightly with increasing clay content in the soil. Tefluthrin was slightly less effective in reducing D. v. virgifera with increasing soil moisture in June. However, all these factorial influences were minor in their absolute effects. Surprisingly, none of the investigated factors seemed to influence the efficacy of H. bacteriophora. In conclusion, the efficacy of chemical and biological treatments against this soil pest remains difficult to predict under farming conditions.

The Effects of Winter Cover Crops on Maize Yield and Crop Performance in Semiarid Conditions—Artificial Neural Network Approach

Maize is the most widespread and, along with wheat, the most important staple crop in the Republic of Serbia, which is of great significance for ensuring national food security. With the increasing demand for food and forage, intensive agricultural practices have been adopted in the maize production systems. In this direction, considerable research efforts have been made to examine the effects of different types of cover crops as a green manure on maize productivity; however, no consistent conclusions have been reached so far. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to examine the possibility of predicting the effects of winter cover crops (CC) integrated with different management practices on the morphological traits, yield, and yield components of maize. The experiment was carried out on chernozem soil from 2016 to 2020 as a randomized complete block design arranged as a split-split-plot with three replicates. The pea as a sole crop (P) and the mixture of pea and triticale (PT) are sown as winter CC with the following subplots: (i) CC used as green manure, and (ii) CC used as forage and removed before maize sowing. The artificial neural network is used for exploring nonlinear functions of the tested parameters and 13 categorical input variables for modeling according to the following factors: CC, way of using CC, N fertilization, and year. The computed maximums of plant height, number of leaves, number of internodes, plant density, number of ears, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, hectolitre weight, dry matter harvest residue, harvest index, leaves percentage, stems percentage, and ears percentage are as follows: 232.3 cm; 9.7; 10.2; 54,340 plants ha−1; 0.9; 9.8 t ha−1; 272.4 g; 67.0 kg HL−1; 9.2 t ha−1; 0.52; 18.9%; 36.0%, and 45.1%, respectively. The optimal result is obtained with peas used as green manure, with 50 kg N ha−1 and in the climatic conditions of 2018. Consequently, maize production under subsequent sowing periods can be successfully optimized by adapting selected management options for higher yield accomplishment.

Study on the Intercropping Mechanism and Seeding Improvement of the Cavity Planter with Vertical Insertion Using DEM-MBD Coupling Method

In the dry areas of Northwest China, cavity planters with vertical insertions are used for seeding on film. Due to the uncertain mechanism between cavity planters and maize seeds and soil, research on the cavity planter has been slow. Several theoretical and experimental methods have been developed to investigate the interaction between the cavity planter and maize seeds in soil. These methods enable exploration of the mechanism to reduce soil disturbance and improve seeding performance. However, these methods are unable to predict the dynamic force of tools and soil behavior because of non-linear soil properties. A simulation experiment was conducted using the DEM-MBD coupling method to explore soil disturbance caused by cavity seeders and the resistance to entry. Additionally, the effect of the maize shape and the cavity planter motion on the seed number qualification and the empty cavity rate was investigated. It was proposed that the inverted hook be used to prevent the movement of maize seeds up and down in cavity seeders, thereby improving seed filling performance. Simulations and experiments were conducted, and the results showed that the average empty cavity rate and the seed number qualification were 2.0% and 91.3%, respectively, which met the requirements of the maize sowing standards.

Weakened maize phenological response to climate warming in China over 1981‒2018 due to cultivar shifts

Assessing climate change impacts on crop phenology is essential for developing adaptation options. To better understand crop response and adaptation to climate change, there is an urgent need to investigate whether the impacts weakens and how crops responds to recent climate warming, as well as the roles of different drivers in crop phenology change. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in maize phenology and the underlying mechanisms over 1981–2018 using up-to-date 6106 phenological observations at 327 agro-meteorological stations in China. We found that during 1981–2018 maize sowing and maturity dates were generally delayed by 0.6 and 1.2 d per decade, respectively, whereas heading date was advanced by 0.9 d per decade. Maize phenology was most negatively correlated with rising minimum temperature (night-time warming), followed by maximum (daytime) temperature, and least by mean temperature. The trends in maize phenology and the correlation between growth periods and temperature generally declined from 1981 to 1999 to 2000–2018 for both spring and summer maize, although climate warming during growth period did not slow down. The phenological response to temperature weakened mainly owing to agricultural managements, especially cultivar shifts. Climate change shortened growth period by 3.4 and 1.7 d per decade but cultivar shifts prolonged it by 4.5 and 2.1 d per decade for spring and summer maize, respectively. Our study highlights that maize phenology is more sensitive to night-time warming than daytime warming, and cultivar shifts far outweigh climate change. These findings foster the understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics of maize phenology and its drivers, which can benefit to develop effective climate change adaptation options for different regions.

Determination of Crop Evapotranspiration and Single Crop Coefficients of Maize Using by a Weighing Lysimeter in Mediterranean Region in Turkey

Today, accurate irrigation approaches are of great importance due to climate change and a decrease in water resources. FAO methodology based on reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and crop coefficients (Kc) are commonly used worldwide to determine crop water requirements (ETc). Kc values of different plants for different areas can be taken from FAO-56 and FAO-24. However, crop coefficients must be determined or calibrated for every relevant region because the climate conditions in the field and surrounding conditions may not be similar to the standard conditions. For this purpose, what crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficients would be in the case of timely (first crop) and late sowing (second crop) of maize were investigated in this study in Adana where the Mediterranean climate characteristics are prevalent during 2012 and 2013 years. A weighing lysimeter was used to obtain ETc and Kc of maize. ET0 was calculated using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM56) method. The results showed that the duration of initial, development, mid-season, and end-season growth stages for first crop maize was 22, 26, 43, and 37 days totaling 128 days, and for second crop maize, it was 14, 24, 42, and 38 days totaling 118 days. The ETc value of the second crop maize was 14% higher than that value of the first crop maize. The mean Kc values were 0.74, 0.92, 1.63, and 0.42 at the initial, development, mid-season, and end-season growth stages for the first crop maize, whereas they were determined as 0.46, 0.89, 1.68, and 0.92, respectively for the second crop maize.

Label-free detection of maize kernels aging based on Raman hyperspcectral imaging techinique

The feasibility of Raman hperspectral imaging technique was explored to detect maize kernels aging during storage to eliminate its negative effects on maize sowing and storage. Both TTC test and germination test were employed to evaluate the viability of maize kernels and the anlysis based on pixel-level and object-level were conducted. Different variable selection algorithms were used for screening of key features related with viability and three modeling methods were performed to classify maize kernels viability. In addition, Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA) optimization algorithm was brought in to improve the accuracy of viability classification. The results showed that object-level method was more suitable for the classification of maize kernels viability. The fusion SVM model optimized by WOA coupled with CARS and VCPA-IRIV algorithm achieved the satifactory performance. In general, Raman hperspectral imaging techinique could be used as a poweful alternative for the nondestructive detection of maize kernels aging.

Influence of Crop Residue in Addition to Decomposition Enhancers on Soil Nitrogen Transformation and Available Macronutrients Status during Growth of Maize

A Greenhouse experiment was conducted on loamy sand soils of Agricultural College, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2021-2022 to find out the influence of crop residues in addition to decomposition enhancers on soil nitrogen transformation and available macronutrients status during growth of maize. The crop residues were incorporated in soil during sowing of maize either alone or in combination with decomposition enhanceres (microbial consortia and single super phosphate). The nitrogen transformation and macronutrients assayed at different intervals of maize were significantly increased by the application of crop residue along with microbial consortia. At 30 DAI, 60 DAI and 90 DAI among the treatments, the highest ammonical and nitrate nitrogen and macronutrient status of were recorded with T9 (T5 + as Microbial consortium @ 1.5%) and it was on par with the treatment T13 (T5 + as Single Super Phosphate @5%). At 120 DAI among the treatments highest ammonical and nitrate nitrogen and macronutrient status of were recorded with T8 (T4+ as Microbial consortium @ 1.5%,) and it was on par with the T6 (T2+ as Microbial consortium @ 1.5 %). At all intervals the lowest ammonical and nitrate nitrogen and macronutrient status were recorded in control (T1). Incorporation of crop residues along with microbial consortium before sowing has significant effect on growth and yield of maize when compared to residue alone.

Control System of a Motor-Driven Precision No-Tillage Maize Planter Based on the CANopen Protocol

To reduce the cost of machinery and manual operation, greatly improve the efficiency of maize sowing, and solve the problems of slow sowing speed, unstable operation quality, and the difficult monitoring of the sowing process of traditional seeders, a control system for an electrically driven precision maize seeder based on the CANopen protocol was designed. In this system, an STM32 is used as the main controller, and the vehicle terminal is used to set the operating parameters, such as the spacing of sowing plants and the number of holes in the metering plate. The GPS receiver is used to collect the forward speed of the tractor. An infrared photoelectric sensor is used to monitor the working state of the seeder. In this study, tests were conducted on different evaluation indices. The results showed that the detection accuracy of the photoelectric sensor reached 99.8% and the fault alarm rate reached 100%. The qualified rate of sowing was more than 91.0%. Based on indoor test results, the qualified rate was higher when the grain spacing was larger. The field test showed, in terms of the seeding performance, that the control system had good stability. When the grain spacing was set to 20 cm and the operating speed was 6~12 km/h, the qualified index was more than 89% and the reseeding index was less than 1.93%. The variation in sowing performance between different monomers was small, and the seeding performance was good. The control system helps to improve the performance of the seeder.

Effect of planting methods on growth, yield, quality and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

The optimum time for sowing of Kharif maize in northern India is from last week of May to end of June. This period is characterized by a high evaporative demand due to high temperature and low relative humidity. The planting of maize during Kharif season experiences high rainfall in monsoon season which often causes temporary flooding in flat method of sowing. Planting methods in maize play a prominent role for reducing its water requirement when sown during Kharif season and also to save it from temporary flooding damage due to excessive rainfall during monsoon period. Excess water during the heavy rains especially on poorly drained soils also creates a great problem for maize cultivation as the crop is quite sensitive towards water stagnation. Best method of sowing is necessary to obtain maximum yield and higher net returns from maize cultivation. The findings of the various research scientists and eminent investigators will help in understanding effect of planting methods on growth, yield parameters, yield, quality and economics of maize. Among different planting methods, bed planting is found significant better in improving the growth, yield attributes, yield (grain and stover yield), quality and net returns in Kharif maize as compared to flat sowing method and it is followed by ridge sowing method. Bed and ridge planting methods give higher grain yield than the flat sowing method due to better crop growth and nutrient absorption. Water use efficiency and nutrient uptake was higher in bed planting as compared to flat and ridge planting methods.

Integration of annual forage legume with maize for better feed availability of livestock in maize dominated mixed farming system of Southern Region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted at Dore Befano and Meskan district of Sidma regional state and Gurage zone of south nation, nationalities, and peoples of southern Ethiopia’s (SNNPR), where maize dominated. The trial was conducted to evaluate the outcome of under sowing lablab on the grain yield, Stover, and appropriate time and seeding rate of forage crop under sowing. The trial was implemented using a 3 by 3 factorial combination with two sole treatments in an RCBD with three replications. The treatments were sole Maize (T1). Sole forage (T2) and Maize & Forage Simultaneous with maize sowing date full Simultaneous with maize sowing date 75%, Simultaneous with maize sowing date at 50%, Maize & Forage After 15 days of maize sowing full, after 15 days of maize sowing 75%, After 15 days of maize sowing 50%, Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing full, Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing 75% and Maize & Forage After 30 days of maize sowing 50% T3 to T11 respectively. Under sowing of lablab with maize did not affect the grain yield of maize. Among experiments, T5 was a more appropriate seeding rate and sowing time for under sowing of lablab with maize.