Maize plant biomass at different hybrids, plant populations, row spacing and soil conditions

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops for biomass production. The plant biomass depends on growth factors among which the cultivated hybrid, plant population, row spacing and soil conditions have a significant influence. The objective of this study was to determine the above- ground biomass of the maize plant and its components at different hybrids, row spacing, plant populations, and soil conditions. For reaching this objective, field experiments were performed in two locations from South Romania in 2013, at six maize hybrids (Cera 440, Cera 540, Flanker, ES Feria, PR35T36, Janett) studied under three row spacings (75 cm, 50 cm, and twin-rows of 75/45 cm), three plant populations (60,000, 70,000, and 80,000 plants per hectare), and two soil conditions (chernozem and reddish preluvosoil). The determinations were performed in the early dough - dough plant growth stage. The row spacing of 50 cm determined the highest dry biomass on maize plant. The increasing of plant population determined a decreasing of dry biomass of the maize plant, as well as a decreasing of moisture content. On reddish preluvosoil, dry biomass of maize plant registered smaller values than those on chernozem soil and the whole plant and its components had less moisture content.