Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 102 11 Concluding Remarks This comparative study on traditional and modern maize cultivation practices has revealed significant differences in methodologies and outcomes. Traditional practices, as observed in Guatemala, involve subsistence-oriented agricultural methods deeply rooted in Mayan heritage. These include drying maize cobs in direct sunlight and storing them in various forms, with a significant portion of farmers using bags and tapancos for storage. However, these methods often lead to post-harvest losses due to mishandling of grain moisture, resulting in insect and fungal infestations. In contrast, modern practices such as no-till strip row farming and zigzag planting with deep nitrogen fertilization have shown substantial improvements in maize yield. The no-till strip row farming system in Ontario, Canada, demonstrated a 75% increase in maize yield compared to conventional methods, attributed to better root architecture, higher plant biomass, and beneficial microorganisms. Similarly, zigzag planting combined with deep nitrogen fertilization in China significantly enhanced root length density, photosynthesis rate, and dry matter accumulation, leading to higher yields compared to traditional linear planting methods. The findings from this study suggest that integrating modern agricultural practices can significantly enhance maize productivity and sustainability. The no-till strip row farming system and zigzag planting with deep nitrogen fertilization offer promising alternatives to traditional methods, particularly in terms of yield improvement and resource utilization. These practices not only increase crop productivity but also contribute to soil health and long-term sustainability. For regions relying on traditional methods, such as the Guatemalan Highlands, adopting elements of these modern practices could mitigate post-harvest losses and improve food security. For instance, introducing preventive pest control measures and optimizing storage conditions could reduce losses due to moisture mishandling and infestations. Additionally, the implementation of no-till farming and optimized planting techniques could be explored to enhance yield and sustainability in these regions. In conclusion, the comparative analysis of traditional and modern maize cultivation practices underscores the potential benefits of adopting advanced agricultural techniques. While traditional methods are deeply rooted in cultural practices and provide a foundation for subsistence farming, modern practices offer substantial improvements in yield and sustainability. Future research and agricultural policies should focus on integrating these modern techniques with traditional knowledge to create a balanced approach that maximizes productivity while preserving cultural heritage and ensuring food security. By leveraging the strengths of both traditional and modern practices, it is possible to develop a more resilient and productive agricultural system that meets the growing demand for maize without compromising environmental and cultural values. Acknowledgments Authors express our gratitude to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their critical assessment and constructive suggestions on our manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ayele T., and Petrous A., 2022, Response of maize (Zea mays) yield to traditional, conventional, and conservation agricultural practices, OMO International Journal of Sciences, 5(2): 1-23. https://doi.org/10.59122/134D203 Bajpai M., and Kumar A., 2022, Why farmer prefer traditional farming over modern farming, BSSS Journal of Social Work, XIV: 35-48. https://doi.org/10.51767/jsw1404
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