TITLE:
Effect of Plant Geometry on Growth and Yield of Corn in the Rice-Corn Cropping System
AUTHORS:
Bhagirath S. Chauhan, Jhoana L. Opeña
KEYWORDS:
Row Spacing; Plant to Plant Spacing; Leaf Area; Rice-Corn Cropping System
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.10,
September
25,
2013
ABSTRACT:
The rice-corn
cropping system is increasing in Asia in response to increased demand of corn
for feed. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant geometry
(row and plant to plant spacing: 50 × 20, 50 × 30, 75 × 20, and 75 × 30 cm) on
growth and yield of corn. Plant height and leaf production per plant were not
influenced by the plant geometry. Spacing, however, influenced
leaf area, aboveground shoot biomass, and yield of corn per unit area. Highest
leaf area, shoot biomass, and yield (8.2 t·ha-1) were produced by plants grown
at 50 × 20 cm spacing. The results of this study suggest that narrow rows and
plant to plant spacing may increase grain yield by increasing crop growth
rates. Plant geometry could be modified to improve yield of corn in the
rice-corn cropping system, and thereby increase productivity of the system.