The contribution of soil tillage and nitrogen rate to the quality of maize grain

Abstract

A soil tillage system adjusted to the soil type and agro-ecological conditions, togetherwith 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 grainquality. 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), phenolsand inorganic P (Pi) in maize grain were analysed in the period 2016–2018. Differences in maizeGY were 2.57 and 3.01 t ha−1for reduced- or no-tillage, respectively, in comparison to conventionaltillage. Conventional tillage and higher N rates contributed to the increase in maize yield and thegrain nutritional quality with regard to the increased level of proteins, GSH and Phy. On the otherhand reduced inputs were beneficial only for grain quality, in relation to the increase in tocopherolsand phenols.