Effects of Different Mulching and Row Spacing on Agronomic Traits and Yield of Summer Maize

PurposeTo study the effects of different mulching and row spacing on main agronomic traits and yield of maize, providing a theoretical basis for reducing cost but increasing efficiency and stable promoting high yield of summer maize in Yunnan Province.

MethodThe field experiment was carried out by plastic film mulching and straw mulching with equal row cultivation and wide and narrow row cultivation combinations, and the agronomic traits and yield components of maize were measured in key period of growth and development.

ResultsFilm mulching cultivation improved soil temperature and water content extremely significantly (P<0.01). The stem diameter, leaf area index, ear grain weight , 100-grain weight and yield of maize under film mulching were significantly or extremely significantly higher than those under non-mulching cultivation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The soil temperature and water content, the stem diameter, leaf area index, ear grain weight and yield of maize were no significant differences between equal row cultivation and wide and narrow row cultivation combinations under mulching cultivation.

ConclusionThe soil temperature, water content, stem diameter, leaf area index, ear grain weight, 100-grain weight of maize can improve under mulching cultivation, resulting yield increase. Among them, the soil temperature and water, growth, development and yield of maize under plastic film are better than under straw mulching.