Maize Crop Production Research Articles

Yield more in the shadow: Mitigating shading-induced yield penalty of maize via optimizing source-sink carbon partitioning

Global solar radiation has been decreasing, posing a great threat to food security by reducing photo-assimilation and disrupting carbon (C) partitioning in crops like maize. However, practical countermeasures to cope with source-sink balance in periodic shading stress are lacking. Here, we first simulated shading stresses with different degrees and occurring periods on field maize for two years. Results verified that shading-induced yield penalties are most severe around silking and are closely associated with biomass allocation, implying a significant imbalance of source: sink C partitioning during silking. To mitigate yield losses from shading, detasseling (Det) and synchronous pollination (SP), targeting the two sink tissues (tassel and ear, respectively), were applied to 70 % shading at the silking stage in two seasons. Both practices conferred benefits to grain number and yield production, with final yield increases ranging from 4.0 % to 31.3 % under shading. Through 13C labeling, sugar metabolism assay and global analysis, we proved that Det improved the source-sink balance via increasing light irradiance within the canopy and eliminating apical dominance to stimulate C assimilates partitioning into the ear. SP promoted C partitioning into the ear by increasing reproductive sink strength and optimizing assimilates allocation among grain siblings. Intriguingly, Det and SP also provided marginal yield increase under normal light conditions. Our findings underscore the potential of source-sink coordination and C partitioning in mitigating maize yield penalty under environmental stresses like shading. The research also provides new avenues for developing agronomic practices and breeding strategies via tasseling and silking regulation, aiming to improve maize crop production and stress resilience and ensure food security in the face of climate change.

Effects of environmentally friendly soil remediation materials on soil quality and maize production

In the precent, the reclaimed raw soil of newly renovated abandoned homestead was considered as the research object, and study the effects of different environmentally friendly soil remediation material combinations on the quality of reclaimed raw soil and maize crop production. A total of 6 improved material treatments were set up, including decomposed chicken manure(YJ), fly ash(FMH), ferrous sulfate curing agent(SHJ), ferrous sulfate curing agent+organic fertilizer (SYJ), fly ash+decomposed chicken manure(FYJ), and control treatment(CK). The research results showed that, the organic carbon content and water storage of new reclaimed raw soil exhibited a significant increasing trend after the application of different environmentally friendly modified materials(P < 0.05). Among them, the organic carbon and water storage of reclaimed soil under FYJ improved, which increased by 132.3 and 14.4 %, respectively compared with CK. During the growth period of summer maize, the plant height and yield exhibited a trend of FYJ> SYJ> YJ> FMH> SHJ> CK. The yield of maize under SYJ and FYJ treatments increased by 38.8 and 53.4 %, respectively, compared with CK. The appropriate combination of environmentally friendly soil remediation materials is helpful to improve the quality of new reclaimed raw soil, promote soil carbon sequestration, increase the comprehensive utilization rate of waste resources, increase the production performance of crops, and help rural revitalization and beautiful rural construction. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 673-679, 2024 (September) Special

Remediation quantum of organic amendments to immobilize potentially toxic heavy metals in wastewater-contaminated soils through maize cultivation

Wastewater is considered a good reservoir of mineral elements that can be used for agriculture, aquaculture, and some other activities after adopting suitable measures. The gap between supply and demand for water is increasing exponentially because of the abrupt boost to the world’s population. This poses a threat to human life as it has reached alarming levels in some parts of the globe. Normally, wastewater consists of liquid waste produced by commercial or industrial sources for daily use, consumption, and production. It is time to refocus our attention on a kind of circulating water system by reusing municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes, particularly irrigation. The recycled or treated water would be used as an alternative to fresh water. In the current study, the impact of various organic amendments was studied to mitigate the toxic effects of pollutants present in wastewater by cultivating maize as a test crop. The present study comprised five treatments replicated four times with a randomized complete block design under field conditions. In this experiment, the treatments included T1 (treatment 1) = control (wastewater-polluted soil without the application of any amendment), T2 = farmyard manure (FYM) at 2.5 tons ha-1 (hectare-1), T3 = FYM at 5.0 tons ha-1, T4 = compost at 2.5 tons ha-1, and T5 = compost at 5.0 tons ha-1. The application of FYM at 5.0 tons ha-1 (T3) was recorded as being the most effective as the maximum improvement was observed in soil characteristics such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and organic matter, and for T3, these were 7.33, 2.22 dS m-1, 8.16, and 0.94%, respectively. T3 remained most superior in reducing the concentration of heavy metals in the soil; for example, lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic for T3 were 8.64, 1.34, 10.44, and 2.25 mg kg-1 (milligrams per kg), respectively. Maximum fresh biomass (fodder yield) of 9.98 tons ha-1 was harvested when FYM was applied at 5.0 tons ha-1 to the soil compared to 6.2 tons ha-1 in the control plot. The highest contents of nitrogen (1.20%), phosphorus (0.41%), and potassium (3.97%) were observed in maize plants for T3. In maize plants (T3), the concentration of lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic was reduced to levels of 1.92, 0.23, 2.28, and 1.25 mg kg-1, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded from the findings of the experiment that the application of FYM significantly reduced heavy metal concentrations and improved soil health, along with maize crop growth and productivity.

Rice straw biochar and NPK minerals for sustainable crop production in arid soils: a case study on maize-wheat cropping system

Maize and wheat are the main cereals grown in Egypt. However, the country relies on grain imports to meet its local demands. In order to improve their production, appropriate fertilization programs are needed. The present study investigates the effects of amending a clayey soil of an arid region with rice straw biochar and NPK mineral fertilizers, individually or in combination, for increasing growth and productivity of maize and wheat crops. Additionally, impacts of these additives on soil biological activities and carbon (C) transformations in soil were a matter of concern herein. To achieve this objective, a field research of a randomized block design was conducted during the summer (maize) and winter (wheat) seasons of 2020/2021. The following treatments were considered: unmodified control (CK), 100% N inputs in the form of biochar (reference organic treatment, RSB) (T1), 100% mineral treatment (reference inorganic treatment, T2), 75% RSB + 25% NPK minerals (T3), 50% RSB + 50% NPK minerals (T4) and 25% RSB + 75% NPK minerals (T5). Additional doses of mineral fertilizers were added to treatments from T3 to T5 to maintain NPK inputs within the recommended doses. Key results showed that all additives significantly enhanced plant growth parameters and productivity. They also increased soil organic carbon level by the end of the growing season hence reduced soil bulk density, even for the treatment that received only mineral NPK applications (T2). All additives also upraised soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil available nitrogen (N), and soil salinity. However, sole application of biochar recorded the least increase in soil salinity. Combined mineral-organic treatments not only recorded the highest increases in soluble and microbial fractions of organic carbon and nitrogen in soil; but also noted the greatest improvements in growth and grain productivity of maize and wheat versus sole applications of mineral fertilizers or biochar. The alkaline nature of biochar was buffered by soil while no significant differences were observed in harvest index among treatments. In conclusion, combined use of biochar and mineral fertilizers, especially T5 is recommended for increasing soil fertility and wheat and maize grain productvity.

Genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica resistance in tropical and sub-tropical maize populations

BackgroundGenetic improvement for Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) resistance is the most economical and effective control method to enhance the productivity of maize and other major cereal crops. Hence, identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Striga resistance and economic traits will guide the pace and precision of resistance breeding in maize. The objective of this study was to undertake a genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Sh and Sa resistance among tropical and sub-tropical maize populations to identify putative genetic markers and genes for resistance breeding. 126 maize genotypes were evaluated under controlled environment conditions using artificial infestation of Sh and Sa. The test genotypes were profiled for grain yield (GY), Striga emergence counts at 8 (SEC8) and 10 (SEC10) weeks after planting, and Striga damage rate scores at 8 (SDR8) and 10 (SDR10) weeks after planting. Population structure analysis and genome-wide association mapping were undertaken based on 16,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.ResultsA linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 798,675 marker pairs revealed that 21.52% of pairs were in significant linkage (P < 0.001). Across the chromosomes, the LD between SNPs decayed below a critical level (r2 = 0.1) at a map distance of 0.19 Mbp. The genome-wide association study identified 50 significant loci associated with Sh resistance and 22 significant loci linked to Sa resistance, corresponding to 39 and 19 candidate genes, respectively.ConclusionThe study found non-significant QTL associated with dual resistance to the two examined Striga species Some of the detected genes reportedly conditioned insect and pathogen resistance, plant cell development, variable senescence, and pollen fertility. The markers detected in the present study for Sa resistance were reported for the first time. The gene Zm00001eb219710 was pleiotropic, and conditioned GY and SEC10, while Zm00001eb165170 affected SDR8 and SDR10, and Zm00001eb112030 conditioned SDR8 and SDR10 associated with Sh resistance. The candidate genes may facilitate simultaneous selection for Sh and Sa resistance and grain yield in maize after further validation and introgression in breeding pipelines. Overall, we recommend breeding maize specifically for resistance to each Striga species using germplasm adapted to the endemic region of each parasite.

Nanobiochar-Coating Regulates N and P Release from DAP Fertilizer in Soil and Improves Maize Crop Productivity

Nanobiochar-Coating Regulates N and P Release from DAP Fertilizer in Soil and Improves Maize Crop Productivity

The Effect of Mycorrhiza and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Supplementation on Zea mays saccharata Sturt. Growth and Productivity Grown on Low Nutrients Soil

Marginal land has low nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Addressing nutrient deficiencies on marginal land requires a strategic approach. Biological fertilizers like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic interactions. In addition, organic fertilizers such as compost could provide organic matter and improve soil structure to increase plant growth and productivity. Combining these three fertilizers with the addition of low doses of NPK fertilizer can increase the growth and productivity of maize crops on sub-marginal land. This study aims to determine the effect of AMF, consortium of PGPR, and a low dose of NPK on the growth and productivity of maize and soil nutrients on sub-marginal land by measuring plant growth up to 8 WAP (week after planting) (parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stomatal density) and productivity (parameters: cob length, cob weight with husk, fresh weight, dry weight) and levels of N, P, and K elements at 8 WAP in the soil after planting. All treatments showed an increase in the level of N and K elements, while the P element showed a decrease compared to the control (soil without treatment). Moreover, each parameter did not show a significant difference, but the P2 (Compost + PGPR consortium + AMF + 50% of NPK) treatment showed the best growth and productivity. Overall, the data showed the utilization of PGPR and AMF combination was able to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer by 50%.

Impact of Crop Bio-Intensification and Nutrient Management on Production and Productivity of Maize Crop under North West Himalayan Region of Jammu -Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted during for two years (2015 and 2016) at the Research Farm, FSR center, Main Campus, Chatha of SKUAST–Jammu, during rabi, zayad and kharif seasons on clay loam soil to study the effect of crop bio-intensification and nutrient management on productivity and sustainability of various cropping. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Under different treatments (crop bio-intensification and nutrient management) the grain yield, straw yield and total bio-mass (q/ha) of maize was found varying. The grain yield, straw yield and total bio-mass of maize was observed more in second year kharif 2015 than first year kharif 2016. Among crop bio-intensification, maize crop sown under Lentil (BB) + Mustard (B) – Summer Moongbean –Maize (BB) + Sorghum (F) practice produced higher grain yield ( 30.16 q/ha and 31.50 q/ha ) than the crop sown under wheat + mustard (6:1) –Summer moongbean – maize (bed) + Cowpea (B) (26.03 q/ha and 26.78 q/ha ) during both of the years of experimentations. The same trend was observed with straw yield and total bio-mass. Among nutrient management, application of 100% in- organic showed higher grain yield, straw yield and total bio-mass than 100% organic (FYM) and INM (50:50) during 1st and 2nd years of experimentations.

Straw incorporation and nitrogen fertilization regulate soil quality, enzyme activities and maize crop productivity in dual maize cropping system

BackgroundStraw incorporation serves as an effective strategy to enhance soil fertility and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), which in turn improves maize yield and agricultural sustainability. However, our understanding of nitrogen (N) fertilization and straw incorporation into soil microenvironment is still evolving. This study explored the impact of six N fertilization rates (N0, N100, N150, N200, N250, and N300) with and without straw incorporation on soil fertility, SMBC, enzyme activities, and maize yield.ResultsResults showed that both straw management and N fertilization significantly affected soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, SMBC, soil enzyme activities, and maize yield. Specifically, the N250 treatment combined with straw incorporation significantly increased SOC, total N, and SMBC compared to lower fertilization rates. Additionally, enzyme activities such as urease, cellulase, sucrose, catalase, and acid phosphatase reached their peak during the V6 growth stage in the N200 treatment under for both straw management conditions. Compared to N250 and N300 treatments of traditional planting, the N200 treatment with residue incorporation significantly increased yield by 8.30 and 4.22%, respectively. All measured parameters, except for cellulase activity, were significantly higher in spring than in the autumn across both study years, with notable increases observed in 2021.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that optimal levels of SOC, soil total N (STN), and SMBC, along with increased soil enzyme activities, is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and enhancing maize grain yield under straw incorporation and N200 treatments.

Fertilizer use and agricultural practices in the paradox of maize crop production and environmental sustainability

The enduring existence of pollution presents a substantial danger to human health, natural systems, and social welfare. Human activities mostly generate greenhouse gas emissions, namely carbon dioxide, which negatively impacts the environment. This study used annual datasets to examine the association between maize crop production, maize yield, fertilizer consumption, agricultural land use, and environmental quality in China. In order to identify the positive and negative shocks with the assessment of short- and long-run dynamics, the study used an asymmetric Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) approach. A Robust Least Squares method was also used to locate the parameters nexus in order to assess the series' robustness. Results from the long-run interaction indicate that the maize crop production and agricultural land use has a positive impact on CO2 emissions with probability values of (0.000), (0.000), and (0.001), (0.780), respectively, via both positive and negative interruptions. Additionally, maize yield exposed a detrimental effect on environmental quality. Results of the robust least squares analysis showed that maize crop production, fertilizer consumption, and agricultural land use had a positive influence on environmental quality, with probability values of (0.000), (0.004), and (0.949), respectively. However, there is an unfavourable relationship between variable maize yields and CO2 emissions. China should play a significant role in seeking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and adopt the beneficial policies necessary to ensure the environment's long-term sustainability, since these emissions are now a rising issue around the world.

Soil greenhouse gas fluxes and net global warming potential from two maize farming practices in the Bamenda highlands, Cameroon

Farming practices used in maize crop production are thought to modify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil particularly methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The quantities of these GHG fluxes have rarely been estimated from smallholder farms in Sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated the quantities of GHG fluxes and Global Warming Potential (GWP) from the Push-Pull Technology (PPT) and Tillage with the Formation of Ridges (TFR) farming systems at the University of Bamenda, Cameroon. Greenhouse gases were sampled bi-monthly from April to Early August 2020 using the static chamber technique. The experiment followed a split-plot randomized complete block design with two replicates and three planting distances (1 m, 1.5 m, and 2 m) used as treatments. Mean cumulative CH4 (5.39 kgCH4-Cha−1) and N2O (1.03 kgN2O-Nha−1) emissions under TFR were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than mean CH4 (3.59 kgCH4-Cha−1) and N2O (0.52 kgN2O-Nha−1) emissions under PPT system. Mean net-GWP under PPT followed the trend 2 m (−267.61 tCO2-eqha−1) < 1.5 m (−75.76 tCO2-eqha−1) < 1 m (−24.95 tCO2-eqha−1) while under TFR, net-GWP was ordered 1 m (0.38 tCO2-eq ha−1) < 1.5 m (85.29 tCO2-eq ha−1) < 2 m (288.41 tCO2-eq ha−1) with significant differences between them. Maize grain yields under PPT were in the trend 1 m (0.81 tha−1) < 2 m (0.85 tha−1) < 1.5 m (0.92 tha−1) with a significant difference (P < 0.05) between 1 m and 1,5 m treatments. While under TFR, the trend was 2 m (0.56 tha−1) < 1 m (0.77 tha−1) < 1.5 m (0.80 tha−1) with significant difference between 1.5 m and 2 m (P < 0.05). On average, PPT was a sink to GWP (−122.77 tCO2-eqha−1) and revealed higher (P < 0.05) yields (0.86 tha−1) than TFR (0.71 tha−1) which was a source of GWP (124.69 tCO2-eqha−1). Therefore, a PPT practice of 1.5 m planting distance is recommended in Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance food productivity while mitigating global warming by minimizing soil greenhouse gas emissions.

Irrigation expansion shows potential for increased maize yield and reduced nitrogen leaching in the Midwest US

CONTEXTYield gaps in Midwest US rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) are likely to continue to increase as the frequency of extreme weather events associated with future climate change increase (i.e., high temperatures, precipitation variability). One solution to closing this gap is the expansion of irrigation in regions that currently do not utilize this practice. While irrigation expansion has the potential to increase maize yields and crop productivity, there is also the potential to see improvement in nitrogen loss. However, it remains unclear at what point irrigation should be triggered (i.e., plant available water content (AWC) thresholds) to obtain a balance between crop productivity and environmental improvements. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to assess the effects of irrigation management on maize yield, nitrogen leaching, and water use efficiency under the expansion of irrigation across the entire Midwest US and to determine the optimal plant AWC threshold to trigger irrigation for achieving a substantial increase in maize yield and reduction in nitrogen leaching while using the minimal amount of required irrigation. METHODSWe use an agroecosystem model, Agro-IBIS, to simulate both rainfed and irrigated maize production and nitrogen leaching under likely future climate conditions (i.e., wet-warm, dry-warm). To determine the optimal plant AWC threshold for irrigation, irrigation scenarios were conducted for a range of plant AWC thresholds (0.2 to 0.8) across the entire Midwest US. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that Midwest US regions that do not currently utilize irrigation could experience an 11–37% increase in maize yield and a 12–32% decrease in nitrogen leaching when irrigation (39.0 to 96.8 mm yr−1) is triggered at the lower end of the plant AWC threshold (e.g., 0.3). Maize grown under dry-warm and wet-warm climate conditions will likely experience increased yields and reduced nitrogen loss with minimal irrigation. While these findings suggest that the expansion of irrigation could help close yield gaps while improving other ecosystem services, future work should focus on simulating these conditions under a wider range of precipitation extremes and fertilizer management to better understand the potential interactions under a changing climate. SIGNIFICANCEThis study outlines the optimal plant AWC threshold for irrigation to maximize maize yields in the Midwest while minimizing nitrogen loss and can provide valuable insights for making informed decisions about landscape management under future conditions.

Growth and yield of maize in response to reduced fertilizer application and its impacts on population dynamics and community biodiversity of insects and soil microbes

In the North China Plain, farmers are using excessive amounts of fertilizer for the production of high-yield crop yield, which indirectly causes pollution in agricultural production. To investigate an optimal rate of fertilizer application for summer maize, the fertilizer reduction experiments with 600 kg/ha NPK (N: P2O5: K2O = 28: 8: 10) as normal fertilizer application (NFA), (i.e., 100F), were conducted successively during 2020 and 2021 to study the effects of reduced fertilizer rates, including 90% (540 kg/ha; i.e., 90F), 80% (480 kg/ha; i.e., 80F), 62.5% (375 kg/ha; i.e., 62.5F) and 50% (300 kg/ha; i.e., 50F) of NFA, on the plant growth of maize, the dynamics of key population abundances and community diversity of insects, and the composition and diversity of microbial community and finally to find out the N-metabolic enzymes’ activity in soil. Our findings revealed that the fertilizer reduction rates by 10% - 20% compared to the current 100% NFA, and it has not significantly affected the plant growth of maize, not only plant growth indexes but also foliar contents of nutrients, secondary metabolites, and N-metabolic enzymes’ activity. Further, there was no significant alteration of the key population dynamics of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) and the community diversity of insects on maize plants. It is interesting to note that the level of N-metabolic enzymes’ activity and microbial community diversity in soil were also not affected. While the fertilizer reduction rate by 50% unequivocally reduced field corn yield compared to 100% NFA, significantly decreased the yield by 17.10%. The optimal fertilizer application was calculated as 547 kg/ha (i.e., 91.17% NFA) based on the simulation analysis of maize yields among the five fertilizer application treatments, and the fertilizer application reduced down to 486 kg/ha (i.e., 81.00% NFA) with a significant reduction of maize yield. These results indicated that reduced the fertilizer application by 8.83% - 19.00% is safe and feasible to mitigate pollution and promote sustainable production of maize crops in the region.

Boron Impact on Maize Growth and Yield: A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital crop, contributing significantly—at least 30%—to global dietary energy intake and biofuels and ethanol production. This review article delves into the dynamic interplay between boron (B) and maize growth, yield, and agricultural sustainability. Boron, a crucial micronutrient, is pivotal in essential physiological processes such as root development, leaf expansion, and cob formation. These processes are fundamental for ensuring the vigour and productivity of maize crops. Conversely, boron deficiency manifests as thinner leaves with reduced chlorophyll content, compromising plant health, and hindering yield potential. Maintaining adequate boron levels, particularly during reproductive stages, is critical for mitigating the risk of abnormal ears and maximizing the quantity and quality of maize production. Emerging research underscores the significance of foliar boron application at various growth stages of maize, which stimulates growth, facilitates cell wall development, and increases leaf area. This translates to improved light interception and photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately contributing to increased plant vigour and biomass accumulation. Furthermore, exploring innovative approaches for sustainable boron management is crucial. This includes precision fertilization techniques and biofortification strategies to ensure optimal maize production while minimizing environmental impacts. By gaining a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between boron and maize, farmers can develop customized fertilization plans that utilize strategic foliar boron application. This approach unlocks maize's full yield potential and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices, supporting global food security.

Machine learning-based potential loss assessment of maize and rice production due to flash flood in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Flash floods in mountainous regions like the Himalayas are considered to be common natural calamities. Their consequences often are more dangerous than any flood event in the plains. These hazards not only put human lives at threat but also cause economic deflation due to the loss of lands, properties, and agricultural production. Hence, assessing the impact of such hazards in the existing agricultural system is of utmost importance to understand the probable crop loss. In this paper, we studied the efficiency of the remotely sensed microwave data to map the croplands affected by the flash flood that occurred in July 2023 in Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts were identified as the most affected areas, with about 9%, 6%, 5.74%, and 3.61% of the respective districts' total geographical area under flood. Further, four machine learning algorithms (random forest, support vector regressor, k-nearest neighbor, and extreme gradient boosting) were evaluated to forecast maize and rice crop production and potential loss during the Kharif season in 2023. A regression algorithm with ten predictor variables consisting of the cropland area, two vegetation indices, and seven climatic parameters was applied to forecast the maize and rice production in the state. Amongst the four algorithms, random forest showed outstanding performance compared to others. The random forest regressor estimated the production of maize and rice with R2 more than 0.8 in most districts. The mean absolute error and the root mean squared error obtained from the random forest regressor were also minimal compared to the others. The maximum production loss of maize is estimated for Solan (54.13%), followed by Una (11.06%), and of rice in Kangra (19.1%), Una (18.8%) and Kinnaur (18.5%) districts. This indicated the utility of the proposed approach for a quick in-season forecast on crop production loss due to climatic hazards.

The Relationship between Changes in Hydro-Climate Factors and Maize Crop Production in the Equatorial African Region from 1980 to 2021

Agricultural production across the African continent is subjected to various effects of climate variability. One of the main staple foods in Sub-Saharan Africa is maize. However, limited scientific research has recently focused on understanding the possible effects of hydro-climatic variability on maize production. The aim of the present work was to contribute to policy and climate adaptation, thus reducing the vulnerability of maize production to climate change over Equatorial Africa. This study firstly examined long-term trends of precipitation (PRE), soil moisture (SM), actual evapotranspiration (E), and potential evapotranspiration (Ep), as well as surface air temperatures, including the minimum (TMIN) and maximum (TMAX). Secondly, the relationship between maize production and these climate variables was quantified for 18 Equatorial African countries (EQCs) over 1980−2021. To assess the linear trends, Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope tests were used to quantify the magnitude of the hydro-climatic variable trends at the 5% significance level, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relation of these climate parameters with the maize production. The annual mean PRE declined at 0.03 mm day−110a−1. Other climate variables increased at different rates: SM at 0.02 mmday−110a−1, E at 0.03 mm day−110a−1, Ep at 0.02 mm day−1 10a−1, TMIN and TMAX at 0.01 °C day−110a−1. A regional analysis revealed heterogeneous significant wet–dry and warm–cool trends over the EQCs. While, spatially, dry and warm climates were observed in the central to eastern areas, wet and warm conditions dominated the western regions. Generally, the correlations of maize production with the E, Ep, TMAX, and TMIN were strong (r &gt; 0.7) and positive, while moderate (r &gt; 0.45) correlations of maize production with PRE and SM were obvious. These country-wide analyses highlight the significance of climate change policies and offer a scientific basis for designing tailored adaptation strategies in rainfed agricultural regions.

Evaluating the agronomic efficiency of alternative phosphorus sources applied in Brazilian tropical soils

Understanding the efficacy of alternative phosphorus (P) sources in tropical soils is crucial for sustainable farming, addressing resource constraints, mitigating environmental impact, improving crop productivity, and optimizing soil-specific solutions. While the topic holds great importance, current literature falls short in providing thorough, region-specific studies on the effectiveness of alternative P sources in Brazilian tropical soils for maize cultivation. Our aim was to assess the agronomic efficiency of alternative P sources concerning maize crop (Zea mays L.) attributes, including height, shoot dry weight, stem diameter, and nutrient accumulation, across five Brazilian tropical soils. In greenhouse conditions, we carried out a randomized complete block design, investigating two factors (soil type and P sources), evaluating five tropical soils with varying clay contents and three alternative sources of P, as well as a commercial source and a control group. We evaluated maize crop attributes such as height, dry weight biomass, and nutrient accumulation, P availability and agronomic efficiency. Our results showed that, although triple superphosphate (TSP) exhibited greater values than alternative P sources (precipitated phosphorus 1, precipitated phosphorus 2 and reactive phosphate) for maize crop attributes (e.g., height, stem diameter, shoot dry weight and phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur, calcium and magnesium accumulation). For instance, PP1 source increased nutrient accumulation for phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) by 37.05% and 75.98% (P), 34.39% and 72.07% (N), and 41.94% and 72.69% (S) in comparison to PP2 and RP, respectively. Additionally, PP1 substantially increased P availability in soils with high clay contents 15 days after planting (DAP), showing increases of 61.90%, 99.04%, and 38.09% greater than PP2, RP, and TSP. For Ca and Mg accumulation, the highest values were found in the COxisol2 soil when PP2 was applied, Ca = 44.31% and 69.48%; and Mg = 46.23 and 75.79%, greater than PP1 and RP, respectively. Finally, the highest values for relative agronomic efficiency were observed in COxisol2 when PP1 was applied. The precipitated phosphate sources (PP1 and PP2) exhibited a similar behavior to that of the commercial source (TSP), suggesting their potential use to reduce reliance on TSP fertilization, especially in soils with low clay contents. This study emphasized strategies for soil P management, aimed at assisting farmers in enhancing maize crop productivity while simultaneously addressing the effectiveness of alternative P sources of reduced costs.

KOMPETENSI PENYULUH PERTANIAN LAPANGAN DALAM USAHATANI TANAMAN JAGUNG DI DESA KASAKA KECAMATAN KABAWO KABUPATEN MUNA

The maize crop production in Kabawo Sub-district, Muna Regency has decreased. It is suspected that the competence of agricultural extension workers is one of the factors that has a relationship with the decline in production. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of competence of field agricultural extension workers in Kasaka Village, Kabawo District, Muna Regency. The population of the study consisted of all corn farmers in Kasaka Village who received assistance from field agricultural extension officers in farming. This amounted to 78 farmers. A total of 15% of the population was selected as the research sample, which was determined to be 20 corn farmers using the sloving method. Sampling was conducted using a random sampling method. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation, utilizing research media in the form of questionnaires. The data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis, employing the class interval formula to assess the level of competence of field agricultural extension workers in maize farming. The results indicated that the competence of field agricultural extension workers in corn farming in Kasaka Village, Kabawo Sub-district, Muna Regency is generally in the medium category. This can be observed in the technical competence, managerial competence, and communication competence of field agricultural extension workers, which are still moderate. Technical competence describes the ability of extension workers to apply various types of crop cultivation knowledge. It encompasses the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and to adapt to changing circumstances. Managerial competence describes the ability of extension workers to organize and manage all forms of resources owned by both themselves and their targets. It encompasses the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate activities and resources effectively and efficiently. Communication competence describes the ability of extension workers to communicate and convey information that can be easily understood by the farmers themselves. It encompasses the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, using appropriate language and terminology, and to convey information in a clear and concise manner.

Nitrogen and carbon stocks in sandy soil cultivated with corn subjected to 17 years of animal manure and mineral fertilizer application

Animal manure can be used as a source of nutrients in cropping systems throughout the world. However, in subtropical climates, the impacts of animal manure application over multiple years on crop productivity and on the total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in the soil profile are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how animal manure application carried out over more than 17 years can impact corn productivity and TOC and TN stocks in different soil layers. This long-term study was conducted from 2004 to 2021 under no-till conditions in southern Brazil. The treatments included pig slurry (PS), cattle slurry (CS), pig deep litter (PDL), mineral fertilizer (NPK) and a control (no fertilizer application). To determine soil TOC and TN stocks, soil samples were collected from the 0.00–0.10, 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30, 0.30–0.40 and 0.40–0.50 m layers in December 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. Corn productivity was evaluated for the 2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17, and 2020/21 crops. The highest yields and TOC and TN stocks were observed in soils with pig deep litter and cattle slurry application. In the sandy soil under a no-till system after 26 animal manure applications over 17 years, the highest TOC and TN stocks were observed in the 0.00–0.10 m layer. On average, the TOC stocks obtained for the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 11.21, 14.88, 15.82, 22.59 and 15.16 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The soil TN stocks in the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 1.06, 1.40, 1.65, 2.03 and 1.43 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The application of pig deep litter to the soil over 17 years resulted in a notable increase in TOC and TN levels, playing a crucial role in increasing the productivity of maize crops.

Efficient plant leaf detection through machine learning approach based on corn leaf image classification

Since maize is a staple diet for people, especially vegetarians and vegans, maize leaf disease has a significant influence here on the food industry including maize crop productivity. Therefore, it should be understood that maize quality must be optimal; yet, to do so, maize must be safeguarded from several illnesses. As a result, there is a great demand for such an automated system that can identify the condition early on and take the appropriate action. Early disease identification is crucial, but it also poses a major obstacle. As a result, in this research project, we adopt the fundamental k-nearest neighbor (KNN) model and concentrate on building and developing the improved k-nearest neighbor (EKNN) model. EKNN aids in identifying several classes of disease. To gather discriminative, boundary, pattern, and structurally linked information, additional high-quality fine and coarse features are generated. This information is then used in the classification process. The classification algorithm offers high-quality gradient-based features. Additionally, the proposed model is assessed using the Plant-Village dataset, and a comparison with many standard classification models using various metrics is also done.