Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 158-170 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 167 8.2 Economic impact The economic implications of adopting improved agronomic practices are substantial. Enhanced yield and nutritional quality can lead to higher market value and better economic returns for farmers. For example, the use of agronomic biofortification, which involves the application of fertilizers containing essential mineral micronutrients, can increase the concentration of target minerals in maize, thereby improving its marketability and economic value (Augustine and Kalyanasundaram, 2021). Moreover, the reliance on improved agronomic practices rather than genetic modifications for yield gains suggests that investments in agronomic research and development could be more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run (Rizzo et al., 2022). 8.3 Recommendations for farmers To maximize both yield and nutritional quality, farmers should consider adopting integrated agronomic practices tailored to their specific soil fertility conditions. Recommendations include: 1) Optimal Planting Density and Split Fertilizer Application: Implementing these practices can significantly increase grain yield and NUE, particularly in high soil fertility fields (Zhou et al., 2019). 2) Balanced Fertilization: Applying a balanced mix of N, P, K, and S fertilizers can enhance protein and essential amino acid concentrations in maize, improving its nutritional quality (Wang and Malhi, 2008). 3) Agronomic Biofortification: Utilizing fertilizers that contain essential mineral micronutrients such as iron and zinc can address micronutrient deficiencies in human diets and improve the economic value of maize (Augustine and Kalyanasundaram, 2021). 4) Irrigation Management: Proper irrigation can improve the biological value of protein and reduce kernel breakage susceptibility, thereby enhancing both yield and quality (Mason and D'croz-Mason, 2002). By following these recommendations, farmers can achieve higher yields, better nutritional quality, and improved economic returns, contributing to sustainable maize production and food security. 9 Future Directions 9.1 Areas for further research Future research should focus on understanding the intricate interactions between agronomic practices and maize protein and starch contents. While significant progress has been made, there are still gaps in our knowledge, particularly regarding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions. For instance, the role of integrated agronomic practices in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and its subsequent impact on protein yield needs further exploration (Szulc et al., 2020; Zhou et al., 2019). Additionally, the effects of different fertilization modes on starch quality and its physicochemical properties warrant more detailed studies (Wang and Lu, 2022). Investigating the genetic diversity within maize starch pathways and how it can be leveraged to improve starch content and quality is another promising area (Whitt et al., 2002). 9.2 Potential innovations in agronomic practices Innovations in agronomic practices hold great potential for improving maize protein and starch contents. Integrated agronomic practices, which include optimal planting density, split fertilizer application, and subsoiling tillage, have already shown promise in increasing maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency (Liu et al., 2017; Zhou et al., 2019). Further optimization of these practices, such as fine-tuning the timing and type of fertilizer application, could lead to even greater improvements. Additionally, the development and use of slow-release fertilizers could enhance starch quality by providing a more consistent nutrient supply (Wang and Lu, 2022). Exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as precision agriculture and remote sensing, to monitor and manage crop growth and nutrient status in real-time could also lead to significant advancements (Yu et al., 2020; Rizzo et al., 2022). 9.3 Policy and support for sustainable practices To ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable agronomic practices, supportive policies and frameworks are
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