Maize grain yield response to N fertilization, climate and hybrids

P. Alexandrova, I. Dimitrov, A. Mikova

Abstract: The relationship between soil-climate conditions, rate of nitrogen application, two maize hybrids and maize grain yield under continuous corn production and irrigation was investigated during 17 years period in eight soil climatic regions in Bulgaria. The experiment was monofactorial with four levels of N fertilization. Maize hybrids from two FAO groups (400 and 700) cultivated under irrigation as a monoculture were used. Statistical analyses were performed in order to describe some relations between maize yield and variables, connected with maize growth. According to the results from ANOVA analysis factor “N rate” had the highest effect on the variability of maize yield (72.03 %). The influence of “Hybrid” and “Station” - environmental conditions (soils and climate) was quite low - 9.51% and 2.01% respectively. Multiple regression analyses showed that N rate, temperature sum and total water use could be successfuly used as yield predictors.

Keywords: maize hybrids; maize yield; N rate; soil climatic conditions; Statistical analyses

Date published: 2019-02-27