Comparison of corn yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and growth under different tillage systems and fertilizer inputs

Abstract

Context: Corn is one of the four most important cereals in the world after wheat and rice. Nitrogen and various tillage systems are important factors in improving the traits and performance of corn. Sustainable agriculture requires improvements in soil tillage management and more efficient application of fertilizers as agricultural resources. Objective: Considering the importance of examining the status of nutrients, particularly nitrogen consumption in various tillage systems, and the impact of these factors on the performance, growth, and water use efficiency of corn in Iran, this research was conducted. Methods: The experiment was performed as a split plot in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with four replications in Darreh shahr city, Ilam province, Iran. The treatments consisted of three levels of soil tillage including NT (direct sowing), MT (using compound tillage and furrow) and CT (Moldboard plow+ double discs + leveler and furrow) as the main plot. Results: The results showed that the highest total dry matter (TDM) was obtained in MT treatment at 4542.7 g/m2 and the lowest in CT treatment at 4029.2 g/m2. The amount of non-use of fertilizer (NPK)0 was 0.61 kg/m3. It can be stated that MT can improve the grain yield of corn with the highest WUE as well as increasing the properties during the growing season. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it can be stated that MT can improve maize grain yield with the highest WUE and increase the characteristics during the growing season.

Keywords

• net assimilation rate
• crop growth rate
• leaf area index
• tillage
• total dry matter