Maize

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Screening of Salt-Alkali-Tolerant Bacterial Strains and Evaluation of Their Growth-Promoting Effects on Maize Seedlings

WANG Nana, HE Zongjun, DONG Yuchen, LU Yao, LU Laifeng, ZHAO Linna, SHEN Xiaomei

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (30): 8-17. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0127

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Soil salinization is a global ecological problem restricting agricultural production, and its bioremediation technology has attracted much attention. In this study, salt-tolerant strains were isolated from saline-alkaline soil in Tianjin, and the salt-promoting ability of the strains on maize seedlings was assessed by NaCl medium screening, 16S rRNA gene identification, and sand culture test. Three salt-promoting strains (WQ-08, WQ-26, and BH-39) were isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis, Priestia megaterium, and B. pumilus, respectively. Under 100 mmol/L NaCl salt stress, when strains WQ-08, WQ-26 and BH-39 were respectively added for co-cultivation with maize seedlings, the growth inhibition of maize seedling MC812 was significantly alleviated: the plant height, stem-leaf dry weight and root dry weight in the WQ-08 treatment group increased significantly by 33.32%, 37.04% and 36.84% respectively compared with other treatments, while the root length, stem-leaf fresh weight and root fresh weight in the BH-39 treatment group increased significantly by 27.33%, 29.35% and 30.55% respectively compared with other treatments. Physiological indexes showed that the antioxidant enzyme activity of maize seedlings in each treatment group decreased significantly. In the strains WQ-08, WQ-26, and BH-39 treatment groups, the SOD activity of maize seedlings decreased by 9.77%, 5.60% and 7.71%, the POD activity by 20.44%, 22.24% and 25.27%, and the CAT activity by 34.46%, 31.27% and 23.28% (P<0.05). The study demonstrated that the three strains possessed both salt tolerance and growth-promoting abilities, which effectively alleviated the salt stress damage to maize seedlings and provided potential microbial resources for crop improvement in saline and alkaline areas.

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Effects of Different Root-promoting and Seedling-strengthening Technologies on Maize Growth and Yield in Low-lying Areas of Northeast China

GAO Mingyang, SHA Ye, HU Wenlang, HUANG Yi, ZHANG Jingran, SUI Xinhua, MI Guohua

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (29): 7-14. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0291

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The ground temperature in spring in the low-lying areas of Northeast China is low, which easily leads to poor seedling quality and slow growth of maize. Under the conservation tillage mode, this phenomenon is more obvious. The development of root-promoting and seedling-strengthening technology may be an important way to increase maize yield. Plant growth-promoting bacteria and trace elements can promote root growth and reduce low temperature stress. This study aimed to explore the role of the technologies in promoting the growth and yield of maize in low-lying land. The study was conducted in Changjiadian Village, Liujiaguanzi Town, Lishu County, Jilin Province in 2023 and 2024. Five treatments were set up, which were (1) farmers’ routine; (2) rhizosphere application of microbial phosphate fertilizer; (3) rhizosphere application of growth-promoting bacterial agent A28; (4) rhizosphere application of growth-promoting bacteria agent P24; (5) spraying humic acid trace element foliar fertilizer on plant shoot. Plant samples were collected during the whole growth period of maize, and root and aboveground biomass, leaf area index, yield and its components were measured. The results showed that the root-promoting and seedling-strengthening techniques could improve the growth of maize seedlings. At the seedling stage (the sixth leaf expansion stage), the leaf area index increased by 25.9%-141.2%, the root biomass increased by 15.7%-82.4%, and the aboveground biomass increased by 10.7%-84.6%. At the same time, it also significantly delayed the senescence of leaves and roots in the later stage, increased the 100-grain weight and grain number per ear of maize, and finally significantly increased the yield of maize by 4.9%-18.7%. The effect of increasing yield was shown as growth-promoting bacterial agent > microbial phosphate fertilizer > trace element foliar fertilizer. Among them, the growth-promoting bacterial agent A28 had the best yield-increasing effect and stability, with an average yield increase of 16.2%. This paper believed that the rhizosphere microbial regulation technology could effectively reduce the stress of soil low temperature on the growth of maize seedlings, and ultimately increase the yield of maize, which had a wide application value in the low-lying areas of Northeast China.

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Effects of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application on Agronomic Characteristics and Quality of Silage Corn in Yuyang District

LI Mingyan, SHI Lei, XU Weizhou, HAN Xia, QIAO Yu, BU Yaojun

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (10): 1-9. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2025-0083

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To investigate the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the agronomic traits and quality of silage corn in Yuyang District, this experiment used ‘Dajingjiu 23’ silage corn as the research subject and adopted a split-plot design. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at four levels: 90, 180, 270 and 360 kg/hm²; phosphorus fertilizer was applied at two levels: 90 and 180 kg/hm²; a blank control (CK) without nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer was also set up as a reference; the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the agronomic traits, yield and quality of silage corn during various growth stages were investigated. The results showed that under low phosphorus treatment (P 90 kg/hm²), the yield-increasing effect of nitrogen fertilizer was more significant; N270P90 treatment performed best during the jointing stage, with N360P90 plants showing a prominent height advantage after tasseling; excessive phosphorus (P 180 kg/hm²) inhibited stem thickening (P<0.05). The fresh grass yield and dry hay yield were the highest under N360P90 treatment, increasing by 37.8% and 39.4%, respectively, compared to CK; nitrogen fertilizer played a crucial role in the accumulation of fresh and dry matter; N270P90 and N360P90 treatments had the highest crude protein content (P<0.05), increasing by 7.52% and 7.49%, respectively, compared to CK; N180P90 treatment had the lowest NDF and ADF content, at 44.31% and 23.37%, respectively, significantly improving feed quality. The comprehensive analysis showed that N360P90 was the optimal combination of nitrogen and phosphorus.

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Screening of Shade-tolerant Summer Maize Varieties in Huang-Huai-Hai Region

HAN Wenwen, JIANG Yanhua, ZHANG Xinru, WU Zhihua, SHI Lingxin, TANG Zhiyi, CUI Yanhong, DU Xiong, GAO Zhen

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (27): 21-27. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0648

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To select shade-tolerant maize cultivars adapted to low-light conditions in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and thereby improve maize yield in this area, twelve widely cultivated maize cultivars in the region were selected as experimental materials. These cultivars were subjected to a 6-day shading treatment starting at the tasseling stage, and indicators, including silk number, dry matter accumulation, and yield, were measured. The results showed that shading significantly reduced the silk number, silk length, dry matter accumulation, and yield, with the extent of reduction varying among different cultivars. On average, yield decreased by 91.64%, corresponding to a reduction of 11.79 t/hm². Further analysis revealed that ear diameter, ear length, number of kernels per ear, 1000-kernel weight, silk number, and silk length were all significantly positively correlated with yield, indicating that these indicators could serve as effective criteria for evaluating shade tolerance in maize. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of shade tolerance traits and cluster analysis, ‘Jingke 968’, ‘Denghai 605’, and ‘Xundan 20’ were ultimately identified as shade-tolerant cultivars.

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Effects of Novel Urea on Yield and Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency of High-yield Summer Maize

QIU Kaili, MENG Aoxue, YANG Qirui, GENG Sainan, WANG Yilun

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (9): 44-49. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0117

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To clarify the impact of novel urea on yield and the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in summer maize, and to provide theoretical basis and technical support for its large-scale promotion and application, treatments were set as followed: no nitrogen fertilizer application (T₁), local farmers’ habitual fertilization (T₂, N 216 kg/hm²), conventional optimized fertilization (T₃, N 210 kg/hm²), controlled release urea and humic acid urea in a 1:1 ratio (T₄, N 210 kg/hm²), controlled release urea and humic acid urea in a 1:1 ratio with a 10% reduction of N for each (T₅, N 168 kg/hm²), controlled release urea (T₆, N 210 kg/hm²), and controlled release urea with a 20% reduction of nitrogen (T₇, N 168 kg/hm²). The effects of different fertilization treatments on yield, nitrogen absorption and utilization, and soil available nitrogen of summer maize were studied. The results showed that the yield of summer maize from T₃ to T₇ increased by 13.89% to 18.04% compared to T₁, with T₅ showing the largest increase. Compared with T₁ and T₂, T₃ to T₇ all increased the aboveground nitrogen accumulation and soil available nitrogen content during the mature stage of summer maize, and T₅ showed significant differences in aboveground nitrogen accumulation compared to T₁ and T₂ (P<0.05). In addition, the nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate of T₅ was as high as 60.22%, and the nitrogen fertilizer partial productivity was 74.56 kg/kg. In conclusion, optimizing nitrogen application can promote the increase of summer maize yield. Under the experimental conditions, the 1:1 combination of controlled release urea and humic acid urea with a 10% reduction of nitrogen for each can be promoted and applied in the high-yield area of summer maize in northern Henan Province.

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Effects of Sowing Schedule Adjustment on Yield and Quality of Spring Maize in Semi-arid Zone of Loess Plateau

ZHOU Zhongwen, QI Yue, LIU Ying, LEI Jun

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (9): 6-13. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0120

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In order to investigate the response of yield and quality of spring maize to changes in moisture and heat, a sowing experiment was carried out in Xifeng, Gansu Province. The characteristics of growth, development, yield and quality of spring maize under different sowing dates were analyzed. The results showed that with the delay of sowing date, the length of development period of spring maize shortened, timely early sowing could make full use of climate resources to increase the process of material accumulation; leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and yield components changed greatly in different sowing dates, and were closely related to the matching degree of hydrothermal resources; the growth rate of dry matter weight had the characteristics of slow-fast-slow, the growth rate before seven-leaf stage was slow, accelerated from jointing to milk-ripening, and decreased after milk-ripening, there was a significant difference in dry matter quality between tasseling-milk ripe, milk ripe-mature; the effect of sowing date on essential amino acids, semi-essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, protein, fat and crude fiber of spring maize was not obvious. The study found that meteorological factors have a direct impact on the quality of maize. According to the climate year type, the suitable sowing date of maize is selected, so that the grain filling period is under superior light and heat conditions, and the effects of frost and drought can be avoided. Maize can achieve high yield. The normal or more precipitation in March to early April in spring is suitable for early sowing, and the most suitable sowing period is April 20-25. The less precipitation in March to early April in spring is suitable for late sowing, and the most suitable sowing period is April 25-May 5. The study provides a reference for dryland maize in the northwest Loess Plateau to cope with climate change.

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Selection of Salt-tolerant Silage Maize Varieties in Saline-alkali Land of Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation Area

QI Ruchun, WANG Jing, ZHANG Jinmei, LIU Jili, SUN Haojie

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (24): 20-29. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0687

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Soil salinization is a global ecological environment problem, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of agriculture, especially in the Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation area, which significantly affects the yield and quality of maize. This study aimed to analyze the response mechanism of different silage maize varieties under salt stress, and then screen out high yield and good quality varieties with strong salt-tolerance ability. Nine silage maize varieties were used as test materials. The germination test of salt-tolerant seeds in indoor hydroponics and in-situ identification test in the field were carried out. Salt tolerance was evaluated by analyzing the agronomic traits and physiological and biochemical indexes of different varieties using principal component analysis and membership function method. The results showed that 180 mmol/L NaCl treatment could effectively distinguish the differences of salt tolerance among varieties, with an average salt damage index of 42.16% and a coefficient of variation of 51.16%. Correlation analysis showed that dry matter, ear diameter, axis diameter and grain yield could significantly affect the nutritional quality of silage maize, and starch content was positively correlated with grain weight per cob (P<0.05). The cumulative contribution rate of the four principal components extracted by principal component analysis reached 91.483%. It fully reflects the comprehensive salt tolerance of the variety. Of which, ‘Kehe 699’, ‘Yinyu 238’ and ‘Huayi 1204’ had the best salt tolerance, with D-values of 0.607, 0.591 and 0.531, respectively. Among them, the plant height of ‘Kehe 699’ was 325.17 cm, dry matter mass was 290.27 g, and the grain yield reached 9.82 t/hm², which were significantly higher than the control variety. The comprehensive evaluation showed that the above three varieties had outstanding salt tolerance, biomass accumulation ability and yield potential, and were suitable for planting as whole-plant silage maize varieties in moderate saline-alkali land of the Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation Area.

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Effect of Foliar Exogenous ABA on Grain Yield and Quality of Different Maize Varieties Under Different N Rates

ZHANG Panpan, SHAO Yunhui, MU Weilin, GUO Hanxiao, HAN Linlin, LI Chuan, ZHANG Meiwei, ZHAO Shuangsuo, HU Yanqi, SONG Jianhua, QIAO Jiangfang

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (24): 8-19. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0021

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To explore the effect of plant endogenous hormone abscisic acid (ABA) on maize grain quality under nitrogen reduction conditions, a field experiment was carried out in the experimental base of Xihua County Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zhoukou City, Henan Province. Four major summer maize cultivars, including ‘ZD958’, ‘LP638’, ‘YF303’ and ‘QL368’, were selected as experimental materials, and three N application of 225, 180 and 90 kg/hm², and two foliar ABA treatments of no foliar ABA and foliar ABA were setup. The effect of foliar ABA under the different nitrogen fertilization on the grain yield and quality among the varieties was researched. The results showed that the grain yield reduced under the nitrogen fertilization reduction, and spraying ABA had no significant effect on yield. ‘QL368’ had the lowest yield of 8.62 t/hm². The yield of ‘YF303’ treated with normal nitrogen without ABA was the highest, and there was no significant difference between ‘YF303’ treated with normal nitrogen and ABA. The total starch content and yield were the highest at 225 kg/hm², which were 74.96 % and 7.08t/hm² respectively, same trend as the amylopectin content among the nitrogen treatments. It had no effect on the protein yield and gliadin, glutenin and crude fat content among N treatments. Foliar ABA decreased the grain starch and its component content and yield, protein yield, and crude fiber content. ‘YF303’ had the highest starch and its component content and yield, and ‘QL368’ had the highest protein content and protein but lowest crude fiber content. Among the treatments, under N application of 225 kg/hm² and foliar ABA, ‘YF303’ had the highest total starch content and yield, amylopectin and protein yield. Thus, in this condition, N application 225 kg/hm² and foliar 40 mg/L ABA solution 2000 L/hm² 3 d after silking could increase grain yield, total starch content, and starch, amylopectin and protein yield of ‘YF303’, therefore resulting in high yield and quality in the maize productions.

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Maize Leaf Disease Recognition Based on Transferred and Improved MobileNetV3

JIN Yuchun, ZHEN Yuanyuan, LIU Ping

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (23): 145-154. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0773

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In recent years, the application of deep learning algorithms in the field of image recognition has gradually expanded into agricultural production, particularly in the area of crop disease detection. Leveraging transfer learning techniques within deep learning, a method for identifying corn leaf diseases based on an improved MobileNetV3 model has been proposed. Pre-trained weights from the ImageNet dataset were transferred to the target dataset, and the model was further optimized. During the optimization process, the original SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) module was replaced with a CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention module, and dilated convolutions were introduced into the convolutional layers to increase the receptive field. After training, an optimal model for corn leaf disease identification was obtained. After applying transfer learning, the model's accuracy on the training set increased from 96.30% to 98.20%, with an improvement of 1.9 percentage points. With further optimization, the accuracy reached 99.09%, demonstrating improved classification performance. This enhancement not only retains the lightweight characteristics of MobileNetV3 but also significantly boosts the performance of corn leaf disease identification.

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Screening of Maize Varieties for Maize-soybean Strip Compound Planting in Zhongshan Region of Chongqing

DONG Yifei, FENG Yunchao, GAO Mengyang, TAN Chun, XIANG Zhenfan, YANG Lian, HUANG Meixia, YAN Qingjiu, HUO Shiping

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (23): 17-24. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0656

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This study aimed to identify suitable maize varieties for maize-soybean strip intercropping promotion in the hilly areas of Chongqing. Using 24 maize varieties and the soybean variety ‘Yudou 11’ as experimental materials, with a 4:2 row ratio configuration of soybean to maize, the agronomic traits, yield and component traits of different maize varieties were compared, as well as the yield and component traits of soybeans under maize-soybean strip composite planting. The results revealed significant variations in maize plant characteristics under the intercropping system, with coefficient of variation (CV) reaching 74.13% for barren plants and over 100% for lodging rate, indicating substantial genotypic differences. Grain yield showed significant positive correlations with ear diameter, kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, bulk density and kernel length (P<0.05), while demonstrating highly significant negative correlations with barren plant rate and a significant negative correlations with ear tip barrenness. Path analysis showed the direct path coefficient for grain yield in ear length (0.484), kernel rows per ear (0.272), and 100-kernel weight (0.334) had direct positive effects on grain yield. The yield of 'Xianyu 1171', 'Keda 202', 'Jindan 9', 'Sanxiayu 23' and 'Jingyu 719' in all aspects of the performance was better, which were 10790.65 kg/hm², 10034.5 kg/hm², 9780.23 kg/hm², 9595.40 kg/hm² and 9442.72 kg/hm², respectively, with an increase of 45.31%, 35.13%, 31.7%, 28.73% and 26.54%, respectively compared to the control. Significant differences were observed in the yield and yield components of 'Yudou 11' when intercropped with different maize varieties. Except for 'Jingyu 719' (618.84 kg/hm²), soybean yields intercropped with other maize varieties showed reductions compared to the control. Among them, the reductions in soybean yield were relatively lower when intercropped with 'Xida 889', 'Xianyu 1171', 'Yudan 32', 'Aiheyu 058', 'Rongyufengzan', and 'Sanxiayu 23', with reductions of 2.86%, 6.41%, 7.09%, 7.15%, 8.54%, and 8.7%, respectively. Comprehensive analysis identified 'Xianyu 1171', 'Sanxiayu 23', and 'Jingyu 719' as optimal varieties, which demonstrated superior agronomic performance, higher maize yields, and minimal negative impacts on soybean productivity, and making them suitable for maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in Chongqing's hilly regions.

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Effects of Different Fertilization Methods on Yield and Quality of Waxy Corn, Soil Fertility and Economic Benefits

HAN Chengwei, HAO Futing, FU Guilin, XUE Faxin, ZHANG Yan, SONG Chunlin, WU Qiuping, JIANG Fei

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (22): 7-12. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0107

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To address the issues of declining grain quality and deteriorating soil chemical properties caused by irrational fertilization practices in waxy corn production, a field experiment was conducted using the new waxy corn cultivar ‘Jinuo 23’ to investigate the synergistic effects of five fertilization methods on yield formation, nutritional quality, soil fertility and economic benefits. The results indicated significant variations in the synergistic mechanisms of different fertilization treatments on maize growth and soil improvement, with comprehensive fertilizer efficiency ranking as followed: organic-inorganic combined application (chicken manure+NPK)> controlled-release specialized fertilizer> high-nitrogen compound fertilizer> urea-only application> no-fertilization control (CK). Compared with CK, all fertilization treatments increased yield by 12.1%-32.5%, with the organic-inorganic combined regime (chicken manure+NPK) exhibiting optimal agronomic regulation effects. This treatment significantly enhanced soil organic matter, available phosphorus and potassium content, improved ear traits (increased ear length and kernel number per ear while reducing barren tip length), and elevated both flavor and nutritional quality. This treatment increased single ear weight by 13.7% and fresh ear yield by 18.2% compared with urea-only treatment, with respective increments of 21.2%, 8.3%, 15.5%, 29.8% and 10.3% observed in crude protein, crude fat, crude starch, soluble solids and lysine contents. This approach generated an additional net profit of 4518.9 yuan/hm². Under the experimental conditions, the combined application of chicken manure and high-nitrogen compound fertilizer effectively coordinated the interactions among yield, quality and soil fertility in waxy corn production. The revealed synergistic mechanisms provide a reliable fertilization strategy and agronomic regulation approach for green and efficient waxy corn production in Shandong Province.

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Research on Effect of New Compound Modifier on Properties of Saline-alkali Farmland and Maize Yeld in Tumochuan

KONG Lingyu, WU Ze'en, MENG Yunshan, HU Shuwen

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (21): 85-95. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0573

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Aiming at the problems of soil structure degradation and crop growth limitation in saline-alkali farmland in Tumochuan irrigation area of Inner Mongolia, this study explored the mechanism of new compound modifier to improve the yield of silage maize, and provided theoretical basis for ecological improvement of saline-alkali land in semi-arid area. A field experiment was conducted with three treatments: control (CK), single granular amendment (T1), and compound amendment (granular + drip-irrigation amendment, T2). We measured the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and other physical and chemical properties in 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil layers. Combined with X-ray CT scanning technology, the key pore structure parameters such as soil porosity were quantified, and the yield dynamics of silage maize were monitored simultaneously. The results showed that the compound amendment (T2) treatment significantly improved the cultivated layer structure. Compared with CK, the average weight diameter of 0-20 cm aggregates increased by 75.6%, Ks increased by 99.7%, porosity, pore equivalent volume and Euler number increased by 16.7%, 17.4% and 28.6%, respectively. T2 treatment effectively alleviated saline-alkali stress while enhancing soil nutrient content. During the maize growth period, the average pH across the 0-60 cm soil profile decreased by 6.5%, EC decreased by 67.19%, and soil organic carbon content increased by 4.97%. Ultimately, maize yield under T2 increased significantly, with the fresh weight of silage maize at maturity reaching 57585.82 kg/hm², representing a 120.99% increase over CK and a significant improvement compared to T1. The new compound amendment effectively improves saline-alkali farmland and significantly enhances silage maize yield by synergistically optimizing soil pore structure, reducing soil alkalinity and salinity, which verified its good applicability in the ecological restoration of saline-alkali land in Tumochuan irrigation area.

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Combining Ability Analysis of Grain Weight per Plant and Nitrogen Fertilizer Agronomic Efficiency of Maize Inbred Line Under Low Nitrogen Stress

XIANG Zhenfan, HUO Chuan, FENG Yunchao, YANG Lian, HUANG Meixia, YAN Qingjiu, HUO Shiping

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (20): 1-9. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0025

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To screen maize inbred lines with high combining ability for single plant grain weight and nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency, using 15 inbred lines as materials, 56 hybrid combinations were constructed according to the NCⅡ mating design. Under low nitrogen stress, the general combining ability of inbred lines for single plant grain weight and nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency were estimated, as well as the specific combining ability of hybrid combinations. The results indicated that the inbred lines with positive general combining ability effects for single plant grain weight were WZ14212, WZ1718-2, 1734A10, Z7A-21, 1734B325, 1735A2 and WZ853, with effect values of 3.97, 2.86, 2.55, 2.13, 1.14, 0.75 and 0.74, respectively. There were 8 hybrid combinations with the special combining ability effect values greater than 7, ranging from 7.46 to 10.64. The inbred lines showed positive general combining ability for nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency were WZ14212, 1734A10, WZ853, 195-73, WZ1718-2 and 1735A2, with effect values of 9.96, 5.06, 4.63, 2.45, 1.78 and 1.55, respectively. There were 11 hybrid combinations with the special combining ability effect values greater than 10, ranging from 10.95 to 24.86. Correlation analysis showed that under low nitrogen stress, there was a significant positive correlation between the single plant grain weight of hybrid combinations and the general combining ability of the single plant grain weight with male parent inbred line, r were 0.2921^*; there were highly significant and significant positive correlations between nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency of hybrid combinations and the general combining ability of nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency with its diploid inbred lines, r were 0.3848^** and 0.3289^*, respectively; and there were highly significant positive correlations between both the single plant grain weight and agronomic efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in hybrid combinations with their total combining ability effects, r were 0.9669^** and 0.9455^**, respectively. The results suggested that WZ14212, WZ1718-2, Z7A-21, 1734A10, 1734B325, 1735A2 and WZ853 could be inbred lines developing hybrid combinations with high single plant grain weight and nitrogen fertilizer agronomic efficiency in maize breeding programs.

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Analysis of Applicability of MaizeSM Model for Maize Growth Simulation in Tumd Left Banner

ZHANG Lanjing, LIANG Yan, GAO Qi, SU Lijun, SUN Shangyu, YUN Lei, WANG Yiming

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (20): 106-112. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0472

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In order to assess the suitability of MaizeSM crop model in Tumd Left Banner, a global sensitivity analysis method was employed to identify sensitive parameters of the model. Subsequently, localized model parameters were calibrated using maize variety data from experimental fields, meteorological observations, soil physical and chemical data, and field management records spanning 2010 to 2022. This calibration enabled accurate simulation and prediction of local maize growth processes and characteristics across different stages. Accuracy of simulation results was verified using actual yield and growth period duration indicators. The results showed that findings revealed nine sensitive parameters within the model, with k₁ (emerging-joining stage basic development coefficient) being identified as most sensitive while TR₁ (stem sheath storage transport efficiency parameter before flowering) exhibited minimal sensitivity. Strong correlations between simulated values for each growth period and actual values were observed, with normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) below 30% and root-mean-square error (RMSE) falling within an acceptable range. The crop model can simulate the local maize growth well. The crop model demonstrates good simulation performance for local maize growth. The localized maize growth simulation model, MaizeSM, with improved parameters, has enhanced the refined yield prediction based on station-scale agricultural meteorological services. This further strengthens the application capabilities of agricultural models in climate change impact assessment, operational services, and agricultural production in the Tumd Left Banner region. These advancements assist agricultural managers in formulating optimal planting strategies to achieve maximum production efficiency.

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Effect of Nitrogen Application Rate on Summer Maize Yield Under Different Densities

MENG Zhanying, WANG Yuhong, GUO Dang, TIAN Wenzhong, LI Junhong, LI Fang, LYU Junjie

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (7): 23-27. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0229

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To clarify the interaction effects of planting density and N-fertilization rate of summer maize, the maize varieties ‘DH605’ and ‘MY73’ were used as experimental materials, 2 densities (67500 plants/hm², 82500 plants/hm² ) and 2 N-fertilization rate (210 kg/hm², 300 kg/hm²) were set to analyze the effects of density and N-fertilization on summer maize yield. The results showed that as the density increased, the effective number of ears increased, and yield increased by 18.0%, while the number of grains per spike and the number of grains per row decreased significantly; increasing N-fertilization rate could reduce the adverse effects of densification on maize plant yield and ear traits. The yield increased by 6.0%, the kernels per ear increased by 2.6%, and the leaf area per plant increased by 6.4%. Density and N-fertilization rate mainly affected the kernels per ear. ‘MY73’ had higher yield, better ear characteristics and leaf area under high-density and high N-fertilization rate conditions. It was found that the adverse effects of maize plant and population competition after increasing planting density could be regulated by appropriate increase of nitrogen fertilizer. Therefore, when the planting density of the two varieties increased to 82500 plants/hm², the N-fertilization rate of 300 kg/hm² was more likely to achieve high yield. The study is expected to provide some technical support for the synergistic improvement of summer maize quality and yield in western Henan.

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Climatic Characteristics of Summer High Temperature Weather in Middle of Hexi Corridor and Its Effects on Maize Production

YIN Xuelian, WANG Xing, GUO Pingping, YANG Huan

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (7): 65-73. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0124

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In this paper, the evolution characteristics (spatiotemporal distribution, persistence, intensity, etc.) of summer high temperature days and heat waves in the middle of Hexi Corridor were studied, and the effects on the growth and yield components of maize during the critical period were analyzed, providing theoretical foundations for the development of early warning of high temperature events, risk prediction, maize flowering and yield forecasting services in the region. Based on daily maximum air temperature data from June to August at meteorological stations in the middle of Hexi Corridor from 1961 to 2023, linear trend, Mann-Kendall test and other methods were used to reveal the frequency, process, intensity characteristics and evolution of high temperature weather, and to analyze the effects on the growth traits and yield components such as 100-seed weight of maize, the local dominant crop. The results indicated that high temperature weather in the middle of Hexi Corridor mainly occurred in the desert oasis from late July to early August. An abrupt change of high temperature weather took place in the late 1990s. About the number of (hazardous) high temperature days and heat waves, big interannual changes, massive occurrences in a short time and an upward trend were discovered. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of high temperature days and the spike period. The intervals between tasseling and silking stages in years with more high temperature days were equal or shorter than the climatological normal. In years with more high temperature days in the jointing-booting stage, the tasseling-silking stages were simultaneous or delayed compared to climatological normals. The number of high temperature days during and after the flowering stage was significantly negatively correlated with 100-seed weight (R=-0.8495). For every additional day, the 100-seed weight decreased by 1.345 grams. Finally, it is proposed to establish an intelligent agricultural monitoring network to predict disasters, carry out experiments on high temperature meteorological applicable technologies and screen high temperature resistant varieties to cope with high temperature risk, so as to ensure high quality and high yield of maize.

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Comparative Advantage Analysis of Corn Planting Regions in Yunnan Province

MAO Zhaoqing, ZHANG Xiaojiao, YUAN Yuan, YAN Wenguang, WAN Siqi, LI Chunlin, LU Yan, DONG Xiaobo

Journal of Agriculture 2025, 15 (7): 84-92. DOI: 10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0088

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To clarify the comparative advantage characteristics of corn planting regions in Yunnan Province, based on the corn planting region and yield data of 16 prefectures and cities in Yunnan Province from 2000 to 2020, production scale index, production concentration index, scale comparative advantage index, efficiency comparative advantage index, and comprehensive comparative advantage index were used to calculate and analyze. The results showed that: (1) the corn planting regions in Yunnan Province were concentrated in the northeast and south, especially in Qujing, Zhaotong, and Wenshan. (2) Qujing, Zhaotong, Wenshan, Pu'er, and Lincang had contributed the most to the total corn planting area in the province, which concentrated more than half of the total maize planting area in the province. (3) Qujing, Zhaotong, Wenshan, Dali, and Honghe had contributed the most to the province's corn yield, accounting for more than half of the total corn yield in the province. (4) The comparative advantage of corn production scale in Yunnan Province was generally on the rise, while the comparative advantage of corn production efficiency and comprehensive comparative advantage were generally stable. The comprehensive advantageous production regions had been formed in the northeast regions such as Zhaotong and Qujing, the southeast regions such as Wenshan, and the southwest regions such as Lincang, and the northwest regions such as Nujiang and Diqing. The scale comparative advantage accelerated the continuous enhancement of the polarization effect of comprehensive comparative advantage. In order to accelerate the high-quality development of the corn industry in Yunnan Province, it is necessary to continuously ensure policy support for advantageous corn planting regions, gradually tap into the production potential of corn planting comparative advantages, and appropriately reduce the proportion of corn in non advantageous corn planting regions.

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Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rationing on Root Morphological Characteristics of Silage Maize in Yulin Wind and Sand Area

CHANG Xuerong, SHI Lei, XU Weizhou, HAN Xia, QIAO Yu, BU Yaojun

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (19): 1-11. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0268

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To investigate the characteristics of the dynamic changes of root morphology of silage maize in different periods under the conditions of nitrogen and phosphorus rationing in the wind and sand area of Yulin, silage maize (Zea mays) ‘Dajingjiu 23’ was used as the research object. A two-factor test was set up for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, with the nitrogen application of no nitrogen (N0, 0 kg/hm²), low nitrogen (N90, 90 kg/hm²), medium nitrogen (N180, 180 kg/hm²), medium-high nitrogen (N270, 270 kg/hm²) and high nitrogen (N360, 360 kg/hm²); and phosphorus was applied as no phosphorus (P0, 0 kg/hm²), low phosphorus (P90, 90 kg/hm²) and high phosphorus (P180, 180 kg/hm²). The biomass and root morphology of silage maize were measured at the trumpet stage, silking stage and harvesting stage. The results showed that the nitrogen-phosphorus rationing significantly promoted the longitudinal development of the root system at the trumpet stage, and the fresh weight, root length and surface area of the root system in the 10-20 cm soil layer increased by 73.9%-169.5%, 52.0%-136.4% and 75.1%-124.4%, respectively. Nitrogen-phosphorus rationing had a significant effect on the expansion of the shallow root system during the silking stage, with the fresh weight, dry weight and volume of the root system in the 0-10 cm soil layer increasing by 5.5%-69.3%, 3.9%-62.1% and 3.0%-91.4%, respectively. Nitrogen-phosphorus rationing effectively delayed root senescence at harvest, with increases of 28.5%-190.3% in fresh weight in the 10-20 cm soil layer, and increases of 50.0%-202.3% and 40.2%-158.8% in dry weight and volume in the 20-30 cm soil layer, respectively. The root indexes of each fertility stage showed that the fresh weight, dry weight, root length, surface area and volume of roots in the 0-20 cm soil layer were significantly better than those in the 20-40 cm layer. Through the comprehensive evaluation of the affiliation function, the optimal performance of the N180P180 program was observed, with the above-ground fresh and dry weights increasing by 24.7% and 44.7%, respectively, and the root development indexes showing a sustained gain. The fresh weights increased by 54.5%-91.1%, the dry weight increased by 28.5%-70.6%, the root length increased by 23.8%-70.8%, the total area increased by 52.1%-79.3%, and the total volume increased by 32.6%-98.9%, and a significant increase in the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the plant. In conclusion, the N180P180 dosage was favorable to promote the synergistic growth of maize above-ground and below-ground.

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Effects of Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Maize and Rapeseed in Upper Reaches of Chishui River Region and Discharge Amount of Fertilizer Pollution

LIU Haonan, YANG Juan, JIAO Meng

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (19): 73-80. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0027

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The study aims to investigate the effects of fertilization on yield, quality, fertilizer use efficiency in maize (variety ‘Fuhua 22’) and rapeseed (variety ‘Yunyouza 15’) and discharge amount of fertilizer pollution, providing scientific guidance for optimizing fertilizer management of major crops in the upper reaches of the Chishui River. A field experiment with five treatments was implemented, including control (CK), phosphorus-potassium (PK), nitrogen-potassium (NK), nitrogen-phosphorus (NP), and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), to assess their effects on crop yield, quality at maturity, fertilizer use efficiency, and discharge amount of fertilizer pollution. The results showed that the NPK treatment significantly increased rapeseed yield by 81.73% compared to CK, whereas the yield increases under nutrient-deficient treatments (PK, NK, NP) ranged only from 35.42% to 52.86%. In terms of quality, fertilization significantly increased the contents of fat, protein, oleic acid and erucic acid, but had no significant effects on palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid contents. Similarly, maize yield under NPK treatment increased by 90.00% compared to CK, whereas the yield increases under nutrient-deficient treatments (PK, NK, NP) ranged only from 42.74% to 79.24%. In terms of quality, the NPK treatment exhibited the highest maize starch and protein contents, which increased by 4.94% and 60.47%, whereas nutrient-deficient treatments demonstrated comparatively smaller increments. In addition, the study also found that the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium utilization efficiencies of maize and rapeseed reached their highest levels under NPK fertilization conditions. Under NPK fertilization conditions, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from maize and rapeseed fields were minimized, being significantly lower than those under nutrient-deficient treatments. In conclusion, balanced fertilization not only significantly enhanced crop yield and quality along with the fertilizer use efficiency, but also effectively mitigated agricultural non-point source pollution.

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Effects of Spraying Humic Acid on Yield and Benefit of Wheat and Summer Maize Under Different Soil Conditions

WANG Ruili, CUI Qinran, ZHAO Guangchun, YU Dongdong

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin 2025, 41 (19): 81-86. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0801

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Using humic acid water-soluble fertilizer produced by Zhongcheng Guolian (Henan) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. as the test material, this study investigated the impact of foliar application of humic acid water-soluble fertilizers on the yield and yield factors of wheat and summer maize under different soil texture types in Shangqiu City. The paired test design was used, and the effects on economic benefits were also analyzed. The results showed that with foliar spraying of humic acid water-soluble fertilizer, the number of grains per ear, 1000-grain weight and both yield and economic benefits significantly increased. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant increase in yield for both wheat and summer maize. The increase in yield and economic benefit varied across different soil texture types. For wheat, the highest yield increase and lowest yield increase rate occurred on silty soil. The highest increase rate and smallest yield increase were found on sandy soil. The order of net increase in economic benefit was silty soil> loamy soil> sandy soil. For summer maize, the yield increase ranking was silty soil> sandy soil> loamy soil, while the orders of increase rate and net increase in economic benefit were loamy soil> silty soil> sandy soil.

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