Predicting Kernel Growth of Maize under Controlled Water and Nitrogen Applications

Abstract

The availability of water and nitrogen (N) to maize during its flowering stage affects the growth of individual kernels. The present study reports the variability of maize kernel dry weight under different levels of water and N applications. Two consecutive-year experiments were conducted during 2009 and during 2010 to study the interaction between three irrigation regimes and five N application rates on weekly maize kernel growth. Logistic and regression equations were fitted to kernel moisture content and kernel dry weight as a function of thermal time (TT) during critical crop stages. Kernel moisture content and growth rate increased non-linearly from 1 week after silking to physiological maturity. By applying logistic function we were able to improve simulation of kernel moisture content and daily increases in kernel dry weight. The logistic curve showed kernel moisture contents linearly correlated with kernel dry weight. Similarly, regression analyses of kernel dry weight showed a significant positive correlation with kernel moisture content for the 2009 (R 2 = 0.86 NRMSE = 23%) and 2010 growing seasons (R 2 = 0.92; NRMSE = 19%). Therefore, the logistics curves derived from the observed data may be helpful for predicting daily kernel growth for the semi-arid conditions. The results showed that the optimal N rate for maximum kernel dry weight was 250 kg ha −1 under 525 mm delta of water application ha −1. This rate might be considered in formulating good agricultural practices for optimum maize kernel growth in the semi-arid regions. Thus, our results contribute to better understanding of best management practices of N fertilizer and irrigation water for optimum maize productivity under semiarid region.

Combating Dual Challenges in Maize Under High Planting Density: Stem Lodging and Kernel Abortion

“…Lack of kernel development and enhanced abortion is caused by insufficient supply of carbon and nitrogen assimilates in the ear (Hammad et al, 2020 ). Nitrogen deficiency may cause kernel abortion, resulting in infertility (Marahatta, 2020 ).…”

Improving Drought Stress Tolerance in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) Using Molecular Techniques

“…It recovers the injuries caused by DS and enhances the cell division rate, leading to an increase in leaf area ( Wu et al, 2008 ). DS dramatically influences photosynthesis in crops, which is recovered by sufficient N application ( Hammad et al, 2017 ; Hammad et al, 2020a , b ). Hence, DT can be improved by the proper application of N. Therefore, it is critical need of time to evaluate the ramie genotypes under DS conditions and study the role of N application in mediation of growth and development.…”

Protagonist of Mineral Nutrients in Drought Stress Tolerance of Field Crops

“…It recovers photosynthetic contents and improves cell division that lead to leaf area increment [83]. At molecular level, drought stress greatly influences photosystem-II efficiency that is recovered by optimum nitrogen accessibility [51,[84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93].…”