engleski

Maize (Zea Mays L.) response to irrigation scheduling and nitrogen rate during extreme weather under climatic conditions of Eastern Croatia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation scheduling (a1: non- irrigated ; a2: 80 – 100 % field capacity) with sprinkler irrigation system and nitrogen rate (b1: 0 kg N ha-1 and b2: 200 kg N ha-1) on yield and quality of two maize hybrids (Zea mays L.). A field study was carried out as randomised block arrangement with three replicates at research field of Agricultural institute in Osijek (2010- 2012). Irrigation was scheduled by measuring the soil water content with granular matrix sensors (GMS). The results showed that efficiency of irrigation scheduling highly depends on weather conditions. During the growing seasons characterized by lack of rainfall, the maximum maize yield was achieved on plots irrigated with the maximum net irrigation (a1 = 7, 47 t ha-1, a2 = 9, 08 t ha- 1, 2011 and a1 = 7, 86 t ha-1 ; a2 = 10, 21 t ha-1, 2012) while during the extremely wet year the maximum yield was achieved on control plots (a1 = 9, 3 t ha-1 ; a2 = 9, 14 t ha-1). As for quality of the grain, the protein content decreased with higher net irrigation which was opposite to the starch content. The effect of nitrogen rate and hybrid was year dependent.

Irrigation scheduling ; nitrogen rate ; maize ; yield ; quality

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