The Role of Agrotechnical Factors in Shaping the Protein Yield of Maize ( Zea mays L.)

Piotr Szulc, Katarzyna Ambroży-Deręgowska, Iwona Mejza, Joanna Kobus-Cisowska and Marta Ligaj
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Piotr Szulc: Department of Agronomy, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11, 60-632 Poznań, Poland
Katarzyna Ambroży-Deręgowska: Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Iwona Mejza: Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Joanna Kobus-Cisowska: Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznań, Poland
Marta Ligaj: Department of Industrial Products and Packaging Quality, Poznań University of Economics and Business, al. Niepodległości 10, 61-875 Poznań, Poland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: The subject of the work was the evaluation of maize protein yield conditioned by various agrotechnical factors. The test results are derived from two different field experiments covering a total of seven years of observation. Protein yield was significantly dependent on changing weather conditions in the growing seasons. Protein yield was significantly lower in the dry and hot years. The sum of precipitation for the month of May was positively correlated with maize protein yield. However, there was no correlation between the average air temperature and the amount of protein yield. The sum of atmospheric precipitation for the entire growing season (IV–X) shaped maize protein yield in over 96%. A non-linear relationship of the 2nd degree was determined between these traits. Sowing maize into the soil cultivated traditionally (autumn tillage), “stay-green” type cultivars and row fertilization positively influenced maize protein yield. Initial fertilization (regardless of depth) with two-component NP fertilizer, in relation to broadcast fertilization, significantly increased maize protein yield from 11.4% to 18%, respectively. The type of nitrogen fertilizer did not differentiate the value of this trait. Pre-sowing nitrogen application was more effective compared to the top dressing, and significantly increased protein yield. Row fertilization with two-component NP fertilizer clearly affected the content protein in grain. The interdependence of genetic and agronomic progress is an important factor shaping the potential of maize protein yield and cannot be attributed to either breeding (cultivar) or agronomy.

Keywords: agrotechnical factors; maize; polynomial regression analysis; protein content and yield (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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