Evaluation of Agronomic Performance of Maize ( Zea mays L.) under a Fertilization Gradient in Transylvanian Plain

Gabriel Barșon, Laura Șopterean, Loredana Alexandra Suciu, Ioana Crișan and Marcel Matei Duda
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Gabriel Barșon: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Laura Șopterean: Agricultural Research and Development Station, Agriculturii Street 27, 401100 Turda, Romania
Loredana Alexandra Suciu: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioana Crișan: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Marcel Matei Duda: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: In the last few years, Romania has become a top maize producer. Export potential is sustained by ensuring high-quantity and -quality maize. Success of maize crop is highly dependent on inputs. In this context, insight into the potential of different fertilizers to maximize crop performance could shed light on best practices to enhance yields and other traits of interest. The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance of maize under a fertilization gradient. Six fertilizer regimes were tested on three maize hybrids between 2018 and 2020, in conditions from the Transylvanian Plain. Results showed that fertilization had a significant influence on yield, thousand kernels weight, grain quality (starch and protein content) and crop health. The experimental year also played a significant role in the expression of productivity potential of maize genotypes. Different fertilizer regimes could be used for targeting desired outcomes, but top performance across all or multiple agronomic components remains a challenge and should receive further attention for optimization.

Keywords: corn hybrids; yield; starch; protein; Fusarium sp.; Ostrinia nubilalis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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