Agronomic performance of maize grown in single and twin rows under irrigation levels

• Grant number: 25/02169-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Soil and Water Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Anderson Prates Coelho
• Grantee: Misael Junio Branco Matoso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Initially, maize has been sown during winter in irrigated areas in some regions in a crop rotation and succession intensive system. This maize harvest has been called the third season, requiring studies to support more specific management recommendations. Among them, irrigation management and the plants spatial arrangement, given the need for irrigation and a short photoperiod at this time of year. Reducing the inter row spacing, or even growing maize in double rows, can promote benefits to plant growth and increase maize water use efficiency. However, this production system still needs adjustments to promote satisfactory grain yield. The aim of this project will be to evaluate and compare the performance and water productivity of maize grown in single-row and double-row planting systems subjected to five irrigation levels. In the experiment, three row spacings will be evaluated, two in a single row planting system (0.45 and 0.90 m) and one in double row spacing (0.45 x 0.90 m), subjected to five levels of irrigation, established by a line-source system in strip block design. The field experiment will be carried out over two years, with sowing carried out in August. Analyzes of spectral indices (NDVI, chlorophyll index and cover fraction), growth, yield components and grain yield will be carried out. It is expected to obtain the most productive inter row spacing and the most efficient irrigation level in each plant arrangement, contributing to the agricultural sector with grain production and optimization of water use. Additionally, there is the potential to increase annual maize production by introducing a third season in irrigated areas, making better use of available resources and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. (AU)