Phenology and thermal indices of maize (Zea mays L.) influenced by subsoil compaction and nitrogen fertilization under semi-arid irrigated conditions
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: The magnitude of yield reduction due to soil compaction is variable and depends on the soil type, fertility status and other soil and environmental factors. The present investigation was carried out at the research farm, Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of subsoil compaction and nitrogen fertilization on maize phenology, yield and heat use efficiency. The C2 (subsoil bulk density (Db)= >1.8 Mg m-3) treatment reduced yield by 15.5 and 24.3 % and heat use efficiency (HUE) by 15.2 and 20.9 % than that in C0 (subsoil Db=1.55-1.65 Mg m-3) treatment during the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. The tasseling and silking stage was delayed, while physiological maturity was advanced under C2 subsoil compaction treatment than that in C0 treatment. The N2 treatment improved the yield by 14.9 and 13.9 % and HUE by 15.2 and 14.3 % than that in N0 treatment during the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. Maize took more days to reach physiological maturity under N2 treatment as compared to N0 treatment. Phenothermal index (PTI) showed that crop reached different stages earlier under C1 and C2 than that of C0. The data emphasized the need to take care of soil strength and soil temperature related parameters along with weather conditions for better yield prediction using thermal time.
Authors: Jagdish Singh, M. S. Hadda
Institution: Punjab Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Punjab Agricultural University
OpenAlex ID: W2796092490