Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #323559
Title: Production, carbon and nitrogen in stover fractions of corn (Zea mays L.) in response to cultivar development

Author
item BARBOSA, JULIERME - Universidade Federal Do Parana
item DOS SANTOS, NICOLAS - Monsanto Corporation
item FERREIRA, CARLA - Universidade Federal Do Parana
item MOTTA, ANTONIO - Universidade Federal Do Parana
item Prior, Stephen - Steve
item GABARDO, JUAREZ - Universidade Federal Do Parana

Submitted to: Ciência e Agrotecnologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2016
Publication Date: 11/1/2016
Citation: Barbosa, J.Z., Dos Santos, N., Ferreira, C.F., Motta, A.C., Prior, S.A., Gabardo, J. 2016. Production, carbon and nitrogen in stover fractions of corn (Zea mays L.) in response to cultivar development. Ciência e Agrotecnologia. 40(6):665-675. doi:10.1590/1413-70542016406020316

Interpretive Summary: The contribution of genetic selection of corn to quantity and quality of stover is still poor-known. The aim of the study was to evaluate production, C and N in fractions of corn stover in response to the cultivar development. Simple cross hybrids (AG9010 and DKD950) were smaller and the stover had high C concentration and was poor in N, providing high C/N ratio values, although with a lower content of C and N. These hybrids mainly differed from creole cultivars, although in some conditions also differed from double cross hybrids (AG2040 and DKB979), triple cross hybrids (DKB566 and AG5020) and commercial varieties (BRS4157 and BR106). Changes were most evident in the first year where a drought during tasseling led to drop in cob production and an increase in the other fractions (mainly stalks), which favored N and C accumulation in the stover.

Technical Abstract: The contribution of genetic selection of corn to quantity and quality of stover is still poor-known. The aim of the study was to evaluate production, C and N in fractions of corn stover in response to the cultivar development. Two field experiments were conducted in the city of Rolândia (Paraná - Brazil), cultivated ten cultivars being from five technological levels that follow: simple cross hybrids, double or triple, commercial varieties and creole cultivars. At the end of the cycle plant height was determined. The plants were then cut and separated into five fractions (stalks, leaves, cobs, husks and tassel) for subsequent dry matter determination and C and N analysis. Simple cross hybrids (AG9010 and DKD950) presented a short stature and the stover concentrated with C and poor in N, providing high C/N ratio values, although with a lower content of C and N. These hybrids differed mainly from creole cultivars, although under some conditions they also differed from double cross hybrids (AG2040 and DKB979), triple cross hybrids (DKB566 and AG5020) and commercial varieties (BRS4157 and BR106). However, the changes were most evident in the first experiment, where a drought decreases cob production and increase other fractions.