Higher Yields Of Rain-Fed Maize Affected By Drought And Sowing Date In A Semi-Humid Region Of North-Eastern China

This field experiment was sown at different dates with 10-day intervals beginning 20 April for two years (2014-2015). Total growth period was significantly (P < 0.001) and negatively correlated to the average temperature during the entire growing season and decreased progressively with the extent of delay in sowing. Average above ground dry matter at maturity (235-311 g/plant) for all the five sowing dates in 2015 was lower than in 2014 (312-447 g/plant) due to low soil moisture, especially during the reproductive stage in July and the grain-filling stage in August. In 2014, grain yield decreased progressively with the delay in sowing, whereas in 2015, the pattern was reversed. Grain yield was significantly (P < 0.001) and positively correlated to the number of kernels per ear. The date of sowing is crucial in drought years and can lower the yield losses of rain-fed maize by 11-39% in the semi-humid region of North Eastern China, and choosing the right date based on climatic prediction may help in reducing the impact of drought on yield. (C) 2019 Friends Science Publishers