Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 96 4 Impact on Maize Yield 4.1 Yield comparisons The comparison between traditional and modern maize cultivation practices reveals significant differences in yield outcomes. Modern practices, such as the adoption of improved cultivars and optimized agronomic management, have been shown to substantially increase maize yields. For instance, a study in the North China Plain demonstrated that the shift from traditional to modern cultivars increased yields by 23.9%-40.3%, while new fertilizer management practices contributed an additional 3.3%-8.6% increase in yield (Xiao and Tao, 2016). Similarly, integrated agronomic management practices, including optimized cropping systems and fertilization techniques, resulted in a 67% higher grain yield compared to traditional farming practices (Jin et al., 2012). Furthermore, no-till strip row farming with yearly maize-soybean rotation increased maize yield by 75% compared to conventional practices (Islam et al., 2015). 4.2 Factors influencing yield Several factors influence maize yield under different cultivation practices. Modern practices often involve the use of high-yield cultivars, optimized planting densities, and advanced fertilization techniques. For example, the stay-green maize cultivar, when combined with row fertilization, significantly improved yield, especially under conditions of precipitation deficit (Jagła et al., 2019). Additionally, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as maize-legume rotation and residue retention, has been shown to enhance both maize yields and household incomes in rural Zambia (Manda et al., 2016). On the other hand, traditional practices are often limited by outdated techniques and suboptimal resource management, leading to lower yields. 4.3 Yield stability Yield stability is a critical aspect of maize cultivation, particularly in the face of climate variability. Modern practices have been found to offer greater yield stability compared to traditional methods. For instance, the adoption of no-till strip row farming not only increased yield but also contributed to better root architecture and higher plant biomass, which are essential for maintaining yield stability (Islam et al., 2015). However, climate change poses a significant challenge, as evidenced by the reduction in maize yield due to declining solar radiation and increasing temperatures in the North China Plain (Xiao and Tao, 2016). Despite these challenges, modern practices that incorporate sustainable techniques and optimized management can mitigate some of the adverse effects of climate variability, thereby enhancing yield stability. 5 Soil Health and Fertility 5.1 Soil management practices Soil management practices play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility, especially in maize cultivation. Traditional tillage methods often involve deep plowing, which can lead to soil erosion and degradation over time. In contrast, conservation tillage practices, such as no-tillage and strip tillage, have been shown to improve soil structure and reduce erosion. For instance, a study comparing conventional tillage with non-tillage practices found that non-tillage methods, along with the implementation of herbage strips and fallow areas, contributed significantly to soil sustainability and biodiversity preservation (Luísa et al., 2020). Additionally, strip tillage has been demonstrated to enhance arthropod biodiversity by reducing the disturbed area and increasing non-crop plant richness, although it may result in lower maize yields compared to conventional methods (Norris et al., 2016). 5.2 Impact on soil fertility The impact of different soil management practices on soil fertility is profound. Traditional agricultural practices often result in low soil fertility due to the depletion of essential nutrients. A study conducted in the Gamo Zone revealed that traditional and conventional tillage practices led to low levels of organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the soil, which are critical for crop productivity (Ayele and Petrous, 2022). In contrast, conservation agriculture (CA) practices, which include minimal soil disturbance and the use of cover crops, significantly improved soil fertility. The study reported that CA fields increased maize yield by 39% and 59% compared to conventional and traditional fields, respectively, in 2019, and by 54% and 62% in 2020
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