Rapid canopy closure for maize production in the northern US corn belt: Radiation-use efficiency and grain yield

doi:10.1016/S0378-4290(96)01055-6

Field Crops Research

Volume 49, Issues 2–3, February 1997, Pages 249-258

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4290(96)01055-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

Slow development of maize (Zea mays L.) canopies in northern areas of the USA may limit light interception and potential productivity. Whether radiation-use efficiency (RUE) and grain yield could be increased by earlier canopy closure was examined with two hybrids contrasting in canopy architecture and potential phytomass production. Early canopy closure was achieved using a combination of row spacings narrower and plant population densities (PPD) greater than typically used by local producers. Maximum interception of incident PAR (θ_max) and total PAR intercepted from sowing to θ_max (IPAR) increased with PPD. Thermal time to one-half θ_max(TU_0.5) decreased with increasing PPD. Sowing in narrow (38 cm) rows did not affect θ_max, IPAR, or TU_0.5 in the tall hybrid, Pioneer 3790; nor did it affect grain yield, which increased with PPD up to 10 plants m⁻². Grain yield of the dwarf hybrid, SX123, was always less than that of Pioneer 3790, due to its low efficiency in converting intercepted PAR into phytomass. Both hybrids exhibited an optimum rate of canopy development in terms of θ_max, IPAR, and TU_0.5 for grain production. Optima for these parameters varied across years, but were similar for both hybrids and row spacings. These results indicate that hybrids adapted to the northern corn belt may yield more grain if sown at PPDs greater than commonly used to promote early canopy closure. Sowing to rows less than 76 cm wide will have less impact on grain yield. Productivity of hybrids prone to barrenness or with a low efficiency in converting PAR into phytomass, such as SX123, will not improve with earlier canopy closure.

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^☆: Contribution from USDA-ARS in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Names of products are included for the benefit of the reader and do not imply endorsement or preferential treatment by USDA or the University of Minnesota.

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Rapid canopy closure for maize production in the northern US corn belt: Radiation-use efficiency and grain yield☆

Abstract

Remote Sensing Environ.

Field Crops Res.

Intercepted radiation at flowering and kernel number in maize: Shade versus plant density effects

Crop Sci.

Comparisons of several methods of growing day unit calculations for corn

Iowa State Coll. J. Sci.

Morphological and physiological traits

In maize associated with tolerance to high plant density

Crop Sci.

The prediction of canopy assimilation

Fifty years of Minnesota maize production: Sources of yield increase

Agron. J.

Characteristics of CO2 fixation and productivity of maize and soybeans

Maize source development and activity

Spectral estimates of solar radiation intercepted by maize canopies

Agron. J.

Row spacing effects on light extinction coefficients of corn, sorghum, soybean, and sunflower

Agron. J.

Effect of row width on herbicide and cultivation requirements in row crops

Am. J. Alt. Agric.

Techniques for measuring intercepted and absorbed photosynthetically active radiation in corn canopies

Agron. J.

Effect of population and row spacing on performance of four maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Agron. J.

Light interception model for estimating the effects of row spacing on plant competition in maize

J. Prod. Agric.

Characteristics of CO₂ fixation and productivity of maize and soybeans