Boros, Beáta

Sárvári, Mihály

University of Debrecen Electronic Archive

Determining elements of variety-specific maize production technology 
 
Mihály Sárvári - Beáta Boros 
University of Debrecen Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences, Institute of Crop Sciences, 4032 Debrecen 138 
Böszörményi St., sarvari@agr.unideb.hu 
 
 
Keywords: variety-specific, fertilization, sowing time, plant density 
 
SUMMARY 
 
Our aim was to work out such new maize fertilizer methods and models which can reduce the harmful effects of fertilization, can 
maintain the soil fertility and can moderate the yield fluctuation (nowadays 50-60 %). 
The soil of our experimental projects was meadow soil. The soil could be characterized by high clay content and pour phosphorus and 
medium potassium contents. In the last decade, out of ten years six years were dry and hot in our region. So the importance of crop-rotation 
is increasing and we have to strive for using the appropriate crop rotation.  
The yields of maize in monoculture crop rotation decreased by 1-3 t ha-1 in each dry year during the experiment (1983, 1990, 1992, 
1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2007). The most favourable forecrop of maize was wheat, medium was the biculture crop rotation 
and the worst crop rotation was the monoculture.  
There is a strong correlation between the sowing time and the yield of maize hybrids, but this interactive effect can be modified by the 
amount and distribution of precipitation in the vegetation period. At the early sowing time, the grain moistures were 5-12 % lower compared 
to the late sowing time and 4-5 % lower compared to the optimum sowing treatment.  
There are great differences among the plant density of different maize hybrids. There are hybrids sensitive to higher plant density and 
there are hybrids with wide and narrow optimum plant densities. 
The agro-ecological optimum fertilizer dosage of hybrids with a longer season (FAO 400-500) was N 30-40 kg ha-1 higher in favourable 
years as compared to early hybrids.  
We can summarize our results by saying that we have to use hybrid-specific technologies in maize production. In the future, we have to 
increase the level of inputs and have to apply the best appropriate hybrids and with respect to the agroecologial conditions, we can better 
utilize the genetic yield potential. 
 
INTRODUCTION  
 
Regarding the yield, three eras can be differentiated in the history of maize production in Hungary. From 
1921 until 1980, maize yield increased linearly and from the 1980s until the change of the regime, it reached, 
then exceeded 6 t ha-1. This significant development was due to the increased use of chemicals, improvement of 
the technology, modern hybrid use and last but not least the breeding and research work performed at the 
Hungarian research bases. Nowadays, the yields are not so favourable, the yield fluctuation can reach even 30-
60%. 
There have been significant changes in the utilization of maize also. In the last years, its utilization for animal 
feeding has reduced and the industrial use, especially as a basic material for bioethanol production, has 
increased. In the past years, the possibility of intervention created a certain market for the growers, but the 
intervention purchase by the Union was stopped and bioethanol production did not fulfill the hopes. The changes 
in the utilization of maize modify the quality and inner content requirements also. As a feedingstuff, high protein 
content is required, while for industrial use high carbohydrate content should be targeted. 
Maize yields are largely dependent upon nutrient supply, sowing date and plant density. The effect of these 
three factors is also influenced by the close correlation between ecological and biological factors. 
In earlier years, Hungary was one of the leading countries in the world as regards the yields achieved in 
maize production (Menyhért, 1979), but at present besides unfavourable changes in climatic conditions, the level 
of NPK fertilization has also decreased. 
In the 1980s, 278 kg ha-1 NPK active ingredients were applied, which decreased to 37 kg ha-1 by 1991. In 
2002, the amount applied was 70 kg ha-1, 80–90% of which was N, while P and K replenishment was neglected. 
Kádár (2000) drew attention to the fact that fertilization should aim at supplementing deficient nutrients. 
Therefore, when planning fertilization, the amount of nutrients removed by the yield should be taken as the 
basis. According to Sárvári (1995), if both efficacy and environmental aspects are considered, the most 
favourable rate of N for maize on meadow soil is 60-120 kg ha-1 active ingredient, depending on the forecrop 
and the year. 
In experiments at Martonvásár from 1988 until 1992, Berzsenyi (1993) obtained maximum maize biomass 
production and the highest absolute growth rate in treatments given 160 or 240 kg N ha-1. The biomass 
production and growth rates recorded in these treatments did not significantly differ in rainy years. 
Based on the results of several years, Sárvári (1986) stated that, besides nitrogen, potassium is the most 
important nutrient on meadow soil.  
Debreczeni (1990) claimed that a proper potassium supply increased photosynthetic activity, making, it 
important for both yield quantity and quality. 
Menyhért (1979) found that the amount of nutrient uptake by maize during the vegetation period was N 264 
kg ha-1, P2O5 110 kg ha-1 and K2O 264 kg ha-1 at a grain yield of 11 t ha-1. 
Németh and Széll (1985) mentioned that the variety policy followed in Hungary is open to varieties from all 
over the world. The cultivation of better varieties or hybrids accounts for 50% of the yield increase. 
Optimal sowing time is largely influenced by climatic and soil conditions and is determined by the chilling 
resistance of the hybrid at germination. 
The results of experiments in Martonvásár showed that the yield of maize sown in mid-April was 7% higher 
than that of maize sown in mid-May. The results indicated that a one-month delay in sowing resulted in the 
plants maturing 11-16 days later (14 days on average). 
In experiments on the growth dynamics of 5 hybrids with different vegetation periods, Berzsenyi et al. (1998) 
found that earlier sowing enhanced reproductive growth, while later sowing increased the early vegetative 
growth. They also determined that a one-week delay in sowing resulted in a 3-week delay in silking. 
Sárvári and Futó (2001) found a close correlation between sowing time and both yield and grain moisture 
content at harvest. The relationship between sowing time and yield was highly influenced by the distribution of 
precipitation during the vegetation period. Earlier sowing reduced the grain moisture content at harvest by 5-8%, 
which is a great advantage from the aspect of economic production. 
Széll and Csala (1984) found that, besides the response of the hybrid to increased plant density, the 
achievement of optimal plant density was primarily dependent upon the water and nutrient supplies. 
Széll et al. (1986) stated that an over-dense plant population resulted in water deficiency. In most cases it 
caused a reduction of yield and reduced yield stability. 
The results of Ruzsányi (1987) indicated that maize stands of 80000-90000 plants ha-1 require 50-70 mm 
more water than less dense stands. Considering the water supplies currently available, moderation is advisable 
when determining the number of plants per hectare. 
Berzsenyi (1994) stated that grain yield gradually increased until the optimal plant density was reached, after 
which it started to decrease. In wet and dry years, the optimal plant density of the same hybrid was 80000 and 
50000 plants ha-1, respectively. The increase in plant density resulted in a consistent reduction in the harvest 
index. 
According to Sárvári (2001), due to the increase in the frequency of dry years and the lower nutrient supply, 
plant densities of 68000-72000 plants ha-1 and 60000-65000 plants ha-1 are more suitable for FAO 200-300 and 
FAO 400-500 hybrids, respectively, than the 80000-90000 plants ha-1 suggested in the seventies and eighties. 
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 
The soil of our experimental projects was meadow soil. The soil could be characterized by high clay content 
and pour phosphorus and medium potassium contents. Among the soil characteristic parameters it is important 
that the phosphorus and potassium fixation are very high.  
In the last decade, from ten years six years were dry and hot in our region (figure 1). So the importance of 
crop-rotation is increasing and we have to intend to use appropriate crop rotation. 
The water demand of maize is fairly moderate, but the sensibility of maize to drought is high among the field 
crops.  
Figure 1: Annual mean temperatures and precipitation sums in Hungary between 1901 and 2008 
 
(Based on the homogenized and interpolated data of 15 stations), Source: National Meteorological Service 
 
The yield changes of maize produced in crop-rotation and monoculture were studied on the basis of data 
collected from field experiments on meadow soil. The experiments are part of the National Long-Term 
Fertilization Experiment started in 1966. 
Applied crop-rotations in the experiment: 
• Triculture: pea – wheat – maize – maize 
• Biculture: wheat – maize – wheat 
• Monoculture: since 1966 
The applied dosages of artificial fertilisers were: 0-250 kg ha-1 N, 0-200 kg ha-1 P2O5, 0-200 kg ha-1 K2O. The 
nitrogen was applied in autumn and spring, while the total amount of phosphorous and potassium were applied 
in one dosage in autumn. 
In the plant density and sowing time experiments, the standard nutrient supply was 110 kg ha-1 N, 80 kg ha-1 
P2O5  and 130 kg ha-1 K2O. The plant densities were 45, 60, 75 and 90 thousand plants ha-1. 
The results were evaluated by analysis of variance and parabolic regression analysis. 
 
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
 
The yields of maize in monoculture crop rotation decreased by 1-3 t ha-1 in each dry year during the 
experiment (1983, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007). The most favourable forecrop of 
maize was wheat, medium was the biculture crop rotation and the worst crop rotation was the monoculture 
(figure 2).  
 
Figure 2: Effects of forecrops on maize yields 1976-2000  
 
0
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Monoculture Biculture Triculture
Y
ie
ld
 
t h
a-
1
Hybrids: '76 MV SC 580,   '81 Sze SC 444,   '86-88 Pi 3901, Pi 3732,   
 '89-92 Pi 3737, Stira,   1993-2000 Stira SC
 
 
The forecrop determined the doses of fertilizers, it mainly influenced the doses of nitrogen (table 1). In 
triculture (peas – wheat – maize) crop rotation (after wheat forecrop) the optimum N-dose was 50-60 kg ha-1, and 
in monoculture the optimum N-doses increased to 100-120 kg ha-1 (of course we had to apply appropriate 
phosphorus and potassium doses as well). 
Table 1:  
Optimal fertiliser doses for corn kg ha-1 effective material 
 
Forecrops N P2O5 K2O TOTAL 
Wheat  
(in triculture) 50-60 45 55 150-160 
Wheat  
(in biculture) 60-80 45 55 160-180 
Maize 80-100 90 110 280-300 
Maize  
(in 
monoculture) 
100-120 90 110 300-320 
 
By using about 200-250 kg nitrogen fertilizer the NO3 content of 100 and 120 cm soil layer varies between 
10-50 mg kg-1. We obtained lower NO3 values in crop rotation experimental projects, the monoculture crop 
rotation was characterized by higher values (which means 125 and 175 mg kg-1 NO3 content). In our long-term 
experiments, the pH values decreased when we use high doses of fertilizers (figure 3). 
 
Figure 3: The effect of N fertilization on the NO3-N content in soil 
The effects of N fertilization on the NO3-N content in soil
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
0 50 100 150 200
NO3-N mg kg-1 (wheat forecrop) 
Control 150 kg N ha-1 250 kg N ha-1
So
il 
pr
o
fil
e
 
in
 
c
m
 
The effect of N fertilization on the NO3-N content in 
soil
0
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60
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0 50 100 150 200
NO3-N mg kg-1 (maize monoculture) 
Control 150 kg N ha 300 kg N ha
So
il 
pr
of
ile
 
in
 
cm
 
In monoculture crop rotation the soil fertility and the microbiological activity of soil is decreased. The yield 
decrease of maize in monoculture could be explained on one hand by the utilization of soil available water 
capacity. That is why we recommend crop rotation after 3-4 years of monoculture. 
A lot of elements determined the harvest grain moisture of maize. Our experiments proved that with early 
planting time with optimum fertilizer doses and lower plant density, maize lost water faster, so we could harvest 
the different maize genotypes at lower moisture.  
The Cold-test values describe the different genotypes’ tolerances to cold, so this parameter is very important 
in determining sowing time. 
The hybrids marked by blue lines have high Cold-test values (94-96%) and so these hybrids could be planted 
earlier. 
There is a strong correlation between the sowing time and the yield of maize hybrids, but this interactive 
effect can be modified by the amount and distribution of precipitation in vegetation period. There is a stronger, 
even significant correlation between planting time and grain moisture at harvest time. 
At early sowing time, the grain moistures were less by 5-12% lower compared to the late sowing time and 4-
5% lower compared to the optimum planting treatment (figure 4).  
 
Figure 4: Moisture contents of maize hybrids in 1999 
36
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2220
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28
18
30
37
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31
26
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30
35
40
10. April 25. April 15. May
vetésidő
m
o
ist
u
re
 
%
Monessa Felicia Clarica Pi 3752 Florencia
 
 
The optimum plant density depends on the genotype of hybrids, on agroecological conditions, on the effects 
of crop year, on the water- and nutrient supply and on the intensity of production. A change of 10 thousand 
plants ha-1 in stock density can increase yields by 1.5-2 t ha-1, but over the optimum level yields are reduced. 
There are big differences among the plant densities of different maize hybrids. There are hybrids sensitive to 
higher plant density and there hybrids of wide and narrow plant density optimum. 
Considering the fact that the frequency of dry crop years increased and the usage of fertilizers dropped in the 
last ten years, we suggest that the optimum plant density is 68-72 thousand ha-1 in the case of 200-300 FAO 
hybrids and 60-65 thousand ha-1 in 400-500 FAO hybrids. 
To develop the genetic background of maize, we continuously test the different maize hybrids by using 
special methods developed by Bocz (1974) and we evaluate the cropping ability of hybrids, the natural nutrient 
utilization ability and the fertilizer-response of hybrids. 
It is very useful for the practice that the new up-to-date hybrids combine the good natural nutrient utilization 
ability with good fertilizer utilization ability, so the modern maize hybrids can be characterized by good fertilizer 
response. 
From the aspects of effectiveness and environmental protection the optimum fertilizer doses of maize hybrids 
are N 60-120, P2O5 45-90, K2O 53-106 kg ha-1 depending on fore crop and crop year. 
 
CONCLUSIONS 
 
We can summarize our results by saying that we have to use hybrid-specific technologies in maize 
production. In the future, we have to increase the level of inputs and have to apply the best appropriate hybrids 
and taking into consideration the agroecologial conditions we can better utilize the genetic yield potential. 
 
REFERENCES 
 
Berzsenyi Z. (1993): A N műtrágyázás és az évjárat hatása a kukorica hibridek szemtermésére és N műtrágya-reakciójukra tartamkísérletben. 
(The effect of N fertilization and the year on the grain yield and N fertilizer response of maize hybrids in a long-term experiment.) 
Növénytermelés, 42, 49. 
Berzsenyi Z. (1994): A növényszám és az évjárat hatása a kukoricahibridek szemtermésére és terméskomponenseire, valamint növényszám 
reakciójára. (The effect of plant density and the year on the grain yield and yield components and plant density response of maize 
hybrids.) Kukoricatermesztés. 1994. Országos Tanácskozás. Budapest. pp. 75-82.  
Berzsenyi Z.-Ragab A. Y.-Dang, Q. L. (1998): A vetésidő hatása a kukoricahibridek növekedésének dinamikájára 1995-ben és 1996-ban. 
(The effect of sowing time on the growth dynamics of maize hybrids in 1995 and 1996.) Növénytermelés, 47, 165-180. 
Debreczeni B. (1990): Kálium a növénytermesztésben. (Potassium in crop production.) Magyar Mezőgazdaság, 45, 10-12. 
Kádár I. (2000): A kukorica tápelem-felvétele és trágyaigénye. (Nutrient uptake and nutrition requirements of maize.) Gyakorlati Agrofórum, 
11, 41. 
Menyhért Z. (1978): Kukoricáról a termelőknek. (About the maize for the producers.) Mezőgazdasági Kiadó. Budapest. 155-167. 
Németh J.-Széll S. (1985): Kukoricatermesztés fejlesztése. (The improvement of maize production.) MÉM Mérnök- és Vezetőtovábbképző 
Intézet Kiadványa, Budapest. pp. 5-22. 
Ruzsányi L. (1987): Agrotechnika a kukoricatermesztésben. (Agronomic techniques in maize production.) Magyar Mezőgazdaság, 42, 8-9. 
Sárvári M. (1986): A vetésváltás és a tápanyagellátás hatása a búza és a kukorica termésére. (The effect of crop rotation and nutrient supply 
on the yield of wheat and maize.) Ph.D. Thesis, Debrecen. 
Sárvári M. (1995): A tőszám szerepe a fajtaspecifikus kukorica-termesztési technológiában. (The role of plant density in the cultivar-specific 
maize production technology.) Növénytermelés, 44, 261-270. 
Sárvári M. (2001): Összefüggés a kukoricahibridek tőszáma és termése között. (The relationship between the plant density and yield of 
maize hybrids.) II. Növénytermesztési Tudományos Nap. Integrációs feladatok a hazai növénytermesztésben. Budapest, Magyar 
Tudományos Akadémia. P. 12. 
Sárvári M.-Futó Z. (2001): A vetésidő hatása a különböző genetikai adottságú kukoricahibridek termésére. (The effect of sowing time on the 
yields of maize hybrids with differing genetic characteristics.) Növénytermelés, 50, 43-60. 
Széll E.-Csala G. (1984): Az aszály hatása a kukoricára. (The effect of drought on maize.) Magyar Mezőgazdaság, 38, 9. 
Széll E.-Tátrai J.-Székely Cs.-Rózsás A.-Táczi J. (1986): Kukorica üzemi tőszámkísérletek. (Plant density experiments with maize.) Magyar 
Mezőgazdaság, 41. 10-11. 
 


Determining elements of variety-specific maize production technology

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Determining elements of variety-specific maize production technology

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