Optimizing sowing dates increase solar radiation to mitigate maize lodging and yield variability: A five-year field study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.078
• Publication Date: 2024-03-27T04:16:54Z
• Authors: Xinglong Wang; Fan Liu; Nan Zhao; Xia Du; Pijiang Yin; Tongliang Li; Tianqiong Lan; Dongju Feng; Fanlei Kong; Jichao Yuan

Optimizing sowing dates (SDs) is a potential strategy for adjusting maize production to climate change and increasing yield. However, there still lack of research on the combined effects lodging yield in relation climatic variables across various SDs. This study aims investigate changing patterns distribution important during growth season, their impact lodging, critical factors affecting at crucial stages under different SD scenarios. In this study, we assessed by conducting field experiments over 5 years (2015, 2016, 2019–2021) encompassing 25 SDs Sichuan basin, China. Results demonstrated that rate had significant effect coefficient variation (CV, 3.31–10.50%) A 1% increase rate, led decrease 58.05 kg ha-1 Changes notably affected solar radiation (Sr) from emergence silking (E-R1). Additionally, found Sr explained 34.7% E-R1. Analysis historical meteorological data showed notable inter-annual variations trends, with decline -8.7763 MJ m-2 yr-1 1990 2021, especially noticeable late May early July. Variation Partitioning (VPA) revealed period physiological maturity (E-R6) E-R1 43.9 53.2% yield, respectively, These also contributed 56.0 45.4% lodging. Using Random Forest (RF) determined changes significantly impacted rates mainly through modifications basal internode morphology, which 69.79% variation. The identified optimal achieving high consistent yields, primarily occurring between March mid-April, attributed increased Overall, provides valuable insights into stalk offers guidance mitigate rates.