Growth and yield of maize using two tillage systems in crop rotation of paddy fields

ABSTRACT Plowing is a more efficient tillage method than conventional rotary tilling in paddy fields. We thus investigated growth, grain yield, and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) using two tillage systems in crop rotation of paddy fields at Morioka (Andosol) and Hanamaki (Gleysol). Maize was grown with rotary tilling after growing transplanted rice with puddling and leveling, and alternatively, with plowing (chisel plowing plus power harrow) after direct seeding of rice with plowing and compaction. There was no significant difference in seedling establishment between the two tillage treatments. Although silking was slightly earlier and root lodging was less severe in plowing than in rotary tilling, there was no significant difference in plant height, SPAD value, dry weight at maturity, Kernel number, grain weight, grain yield, starch content, crude protein content, or mycotoxin accumulation, irrespective of soil type. These results indicate that growth and yield of maize were similar for the plowing system and the rotary tilling system. Thus, the plowing system could improve work efficiency for maize cultivation in crop rotation of paddy fields for large-scale farm management