Maize grain yield response to misses as influenced by nitrogen and plant population

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield decline under low-input production environments has been linked to different kinds of management practices. The impact of plant spacing and plant population on grain yield has been well documented over time. However, limited research has been conducted to quantify the effects of misses or blanks on final grain yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate maize grain yield response to misses or blanks as influenced by nitrogen (N) rate and plant population. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (EFAW and LCB) over two years (2018 and 2019) in Oklahoma. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatment structure included eight treatments, at a target plant population of 44,460 seeds ha-1. Plant spacing was 25cm, and where two N rates (0 and 70 kg ha-1), and four different planting sequences (XXXXX, XX0XX, X0X0X and X000X) were evaluated. Grain N uptake, grain yield and NUE data were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS 9.4. Results from this study suggest that there is some latitude for having skips or misses within in a 5-plant sequence. Over years and experimental sites, the mean grain yield decreased significantly at 3-plant misses (X000X). With the exception for LCB 2018, plant sequences XXXXX, XX0XX and X0X0X were not significantly different when N was applied.