Field trials on grain maize cultivation technologies in 2004, 2005 and 2006

Abstract

The paper presents the results of field studies that assess the influence of various technologies of maize-for-grain cropstand establishment on not only its yield, but also on labour and fuel consumption, and individual cost components. The field studies were carried out since the year 2004 in all maize-growing regions of the Czech Republic. Farm businesses are monitored that perform either a conventional technology of soil cultivation comprising ploughing or a reduced-tillage technology. The studies showed no significant differences in grain yields between both technologies in question. On the other hand, labour consumption demonstrated highly significant differences, i.e. 56.2 % in favour of reduced-tillage. Significant differences in favour of reduced-tillage technology were proved as well with regard to fuel consumption, machinery and total costs.

Keywords

• grain maize
• reduced-tillage
• ploughing
• costs