The contribution of soil tillage and nitrogen rate to the quality of maize grain
Authors
Simić, Milena
Dragičević, Vesna

Mladenović Drinić, Snežana

Vukadinovic, Jelena
Kresović, Branka

Tabaković, Marijenka
Brankov, Milan

Article (Published version)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A soil tillage system adjusted to the soil type and agro-ecological conditions, together
with the optimal nutrient supply, is a prerequisite for high maize (Zea mays L.) yield. However,
there is little knowledge about the influence of soil tillage and nitrogen (N) rates on maize grain
quality. A study was initiated in 1978 in Zemun Polje, Belgrade, Serbia, on the chernozem soil type.
The effects of three N rates—0, 180 and 240 kg N ha−1—within three tillage practices—no-tillage,
reduced and conventional tillage—and their influence on grain yield (GY) and the content of proteins,
starch, oil, total tocopherols and carotenoids, phytic phosphorus (Phy), glutathione (GSH), phenols
and inorganic P (Pi) in maize grain were analysed in the period 2016–2018. Differences in maize
GY were 2.57 and 3.01 t ha−1
for reduced- or no-tillage, respectively, in comparison to conventional
tillage. Conventional tillage and higher N rates contributed to the increase in maize yield and the
grain ...nutritional quality with regard to the increased level of proteins, GSH and Phy. On the other
hand reduced inputs were beneficial only for grain quality, in relation to the increase in tocopherols
and phenols.
Keywords:
maize / reduced tillage / fertilisation / grain yield / nutritional qualitySource:
Agronomy, 2020, 10, 7, 976-Publisher:
- Basel : MDPI