Effects of different irrigation methods and plant density on silage yield and yield components of PR 31Y43 hybrid corn cultivar

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different irrigation methods (drip I1, subsoil drip I2, and subsoil capillary I3) and different plant densities (102,040 plants ha-1, D1; 119,040 plants ha-1, D2; and 142,850 plants ha-1, D3) on the silage yield and yield components of PR 31Y43 hybrid corn cultivar (Zea mays L. indentata S.) in the years 2011 and 2012 under the ecological conditions of Eskipazar-Karabük. In both research years, the plant densities were statistically significant for stem diameter, fresh ear ratio, fresh plant weight, silage, and dry matter yield. The highest stem diameter, fresh ear ratio, and fresh plant weight values were obtained from D1 and D2 plant densities, and the highest silage and dry matter yields were obtained from D3 and D2 plant densities. Irrigation methods were statistically significant for fresh and dry plant weight in the second research year, and the highest values were obtained from drip irrigation. The I × D interactions were statistically significant for plant height in both research years, while they were statistically significant for number of leaves, stem diameter, fresh leaf ratio, fresh ear ratio, fresh plant weight, and silage yield in the second research year. The highest silage yield was obtained from I3 × D3 interaction. D3 and D2 plant densities in all 3 irrigation methods could be recommended for corn silage farmers. However, when water conservation is taken into consideration (I2, 7%; I3, 11%), subsoil irrigation becomes more important. © TÜBİTAK.