Maize Yield Response, Root Distribution and Soil Desiccation Crack Features as Affected by Row Spacing

Area of Science:

• Agronomy and Soil Science
• Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Plant density significantly impacts crop yields, resource use efficiency, and soil properties like water loss and crack formation.
• Understanding the interplay between plant spacing, root architecture, and soil hydrology is vital for optimizing agricultural practices, especially in Mediterranean environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying maize (Zea mays L.) row spacings on yield, root distribution, and desiccation crack characteristics.
• To evaluate the influence of plant density on soil moisture dynamics and water infiltration potential in sandy clay loam soils.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing bare soil with maize (Zea mays L.) under three plant densities (6, 4, 3 plants m-2) achieved by adjusting row spacing (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 m).
• Measurements included kernel yield, soil moisture content, root distribution analysis, and characterization of desiccation cracks.
• Evaluated soil water dynamics and crack volume in relation to row spacing and plant density.

Main Results:

• Highest kernel yield (16.57 Mg ha-1) achieved with the highest density (6 plants m-2) and narrowest row spacing (0.5 m), with significant yield reductions at wider spacings.
• Soil moisture content was higher in bare soil and decreased with decreasing inter-row distance in cropped soil.
• Root density and desiccation crack size showed an inverse relationship with soil moisture; cracks were larger and oriented parallel to rows in cultivated soil, with volumes significantly increasing at narrower spacings.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing maize row spacing and plant density is critical for maximizing yield and influencing soil water dynamics and crack formation.
• Narrower row spacing (0.5 m) enhances yield and increases desiccation crack volume, potentially improving water infiltration in low-permeability soils.
• Findings provide valuable insights for sustainable maize cultivation and water management in Mediterranean agroecosystems.