Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 11-22 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 14 3.2 Balancing planting density and quality While increasing planting density can boost yield, it can also negatively impact maize quality by reducing ventilation and light penetration, leading to poor ear shape and lower sugar content. Excessive density can result in a higher bare plant rate and decreased grain weight, which are detrimental to overall quality (Ye et al., 2023a; Wu et al., 2023b). Optimizing planting density is crucial to maintaining a balance between yield and quality. For instance, a study found that moderate planting densities improved ear shape and sugar content in sweet maize, highlighting the importance of density management in quality enhancement (Ye et al., 2023b). In a study focusing on sweet maize, it was observed that optimizing planting density improved ear shape and sugar content, particularly in density-tolerant varieties like MT6855. This improvement was attributed to better nutrient accumulation and remobilization, which are essential for maintaining high-quality maize production (Ye et al., 2023a). 3.3 Regional density optimization strategies Optimal planting density can vary significantly based on regional soil and climatic conditions. In semiarid climates, for example, moderate planting densities are recommended to stabilize yield and enhance resource use efficiency, as excessive densities can lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity and yield stability (Zhang et al., 2021). In contrast, regions with higher solar radiation and favorable climatic conditions may benefit from higher planting densities to maximize yield potential (Wu et al., 2023a). Tailoring planting density to local environmental conditions is essential for optimizing maize production across different ecological regions. A study conducted in the southern Huang-Huai-Hai region of China found that the agronomic optimal planting density varied between locations, with Taihe benefiting from a higher density due to its greater solar radiation compared to Hefei. This regional adaptation strategy led to significant yield improvements, demonstrating the importance of customizing planting density to local climatic resources (Wu et al., 2023a). In Zhejiang, the recommended planting density for fresh corn is 45 000 plants per hectare. As the density further increases, the plant height increases, the ear length and diameter decrease, the bald tip becomes longer, the number of rows per ear and the number of grains per row decrease, and the yield actually decreases; When the density is insufficient, the yield reduction is severe due to insufficient number of spikes (Wang et al., 2023). 4 Water and Fertilizer Management Strategies 4.1 Precision water management Maize requires precise water management to optimize yield and quality, with water demand varying significantly across different growth stages. For instance, the seedling and jointing stages are particularly sensitive to water deficits, necessitating tailored irrigation schedules to accommodate these needs (Xu et al., 2020). Drip irrigation has emerged as a superior method, enhancing soil water content and maintaining optimal soil mineral nitrogen levels, which are crucial for maize growth. This method not only improves water use efficiency but also supports better dry matter accumulation and kernel development. A study conducted in the North China Plain demonstrated that drip fertigation, with a reduced nitrogen input, significantly increased maize yield by improving pre- and post-silking dry matter accumulation. This approach also enhanced water and nitrogen use efficiencies, leading to higher economic benefits compared to traditional flood irrigation methods (Guo et al., 2022). 4.2 Nutrient management and fertilizer optimization Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are critical in regulating maize yield and quality. Optimized fertilization practices, such as the application of controlled-release fertilizers, have been shown to improve the chemical and bacterial properties of rhizosphere soil, thereby enhancing maize yield (Li et al., 2022; Hou et al., 2024). Additionally, the strategic use of NPK fertilizers, particularly when combined with organic amendments like biochar, can significantly improve nitrogen use efficiency and crop defenses, even under water deficit conditions.
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