Effects of irrigation level, plant density, and nitrogen doses on sweet corn yield and water productivity

Abstract

Plant density, nitrogen and irrigation management are three important agricultural inputs that affect plant yield and quality. This study was undertaken to ascertain the impact of varying plant densities, irrigation water levels and nitrogen rates on the yield, some yield components and irrigation water productivity (IWP) of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cultivated in an open-field environment. To this end, two-year field experiments were carried out using the Challenger F1 corn variety on clay-textured soil in the Bursa province located in the Southern Marmara Region of Turkey. In the first year of the experiment, plant density in the main plots and irrigation levels in split plots were randomized. Accordingly, two plant density levels (57000 and 95000 plants ha-1) and three irrigation levels (100%, 67%, and 33% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)) were applied. In the second year of the experiment, three irrigation levels in main plots (100%, 80%, and 60% of ETc) and three N fertility ratios (150, 300, and 450 kg ha(-1)) in split plots were assigned. A combination of 95000 plants ha-1 population and 100%ETc irrigation ratio provided maximum fresh ear yield. The irrigation treatment 80%ETc, accompanied by 300 kg N ha-1, and 76000 plants ha-1 population was determined as the optimal management system for maximum yield, yield components, and IWP. To preserve soil and water resources, the optimal management system at maximum yield and IWP should be implemented for sweet corn production in the Marmara region.