Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 94 2 Historical Background of Maize Cultivation 2.1 Traditional practices 2.1.1 Early methods of maize cultivation Maize (Zea mays L.) has a rich history that dates back approximately 9 000 years when it was first domesticated from the wild grass teosinte by early Mexican farmers. This domestication process was crucial for the development of maize as a staple food source, significantly influencing Mexican culture and religion (Hake and Ross-Ibarra, 2015). Traditional cultivation methods were primarily manual and relied heavily on natural environmental conditions. Early farmers selected seeds from plants that exhibited desirable traits, such as larger kernels and higher yields, which gradually led to the maize varieties we recognize today (Hufford et al., 2012; Hake and Ross-Ibarra, 2015). 2.1.2 Cultural and regional variations in traditional practices The traditional practices of maize cultivation varied significantly across different regions and cultures. In the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, diverse landraces of maize were cultivated primarily for human consumption. These landraces displayed a wide array of kernel colors and were often selected for their unique culinary uses and health benefits (Nankar et al., 2016). For instance, blue maize, which has gained commercial interest due to its health-promoting properties, was traditionally grown in these regions. The cultivation practices in these areas were deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and agricultural knowledge passed down through generations (Nankar et al., 2016). 2.2 Evolution to modern practices 2.2.1 Development and adoption of modern techniques The transition from traditional to modern maize cultivation practices has been marked by significant technological advancements and scientific research. Modern breeding techniques have introduced dynamic genetic changes into the maize genome, leading to increased productivity and the development of new maize varieties with desirable traits (Jiao et al., 2012). The sequencing of numerous maize lines has revealed extensive genetic variation, which has been harnessed to improve crop yields and resilience (Jiao et al., 2012). Additionally, the adoption of mechanized farming practices and the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have further enhanced maize production (Cox and Cherney, 2018). 2.2.2 Impact of technological advancements on maize farming Technological advancements have had a profound impact on maize farming, transforming it from a labor-intensive process to a highly efficient and productive agricultural practice. The development of genetically modified (GM) hybrids, which are resistant to pests and diseases, has significantly reduced crop losses and increased yields (Cox and Cherney, 2018). Moreover, modern intercropping systems, such as the maize-soybean intercropping system (MSIS), have been developed to optimize land use and improve nutrient acquisition, making them compatible with mechanization and suitable for small-landhold farmers (Figure 1) (Iqbal et al., 2018). These advancements have not only increased the land equivalent ratio (LER) but also ensured higher light interception and nutrient uptake, leading to better overall crop performance (Iqbal et al., 2018). In summary, the evolution from traditional to modern maize cultivation practices has been driven by a combination of genetic research, technological innovations, and the adoption of mechanized farming techniques. These changes have significantly improved maize yields and resilience, ensuring its continued importance as a staple food crop worldwide. 3 Key Differences Between Traditional and Modern Practices 3.1 Agricultural techniques Traditional maize cultivation practices often involve low-intensity systems characterized by seed selection by farmers, plowing, and crop-animal rotation techniques. These methods are typically more sustainable and have a higher fraction of renewability compared to modern practices. For instance, traditional systems in Argentina show a renewability fraction between 28% and 63% (Rótolo et al., 2015). In contrast, modern practices, including
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==