Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-9 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 6 7.3 Resource conservation and environmental protection in fresh-eating corn production Resource conservation and environmental protection in fresh-eating corn production can be achieved through practices that enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. For example, the maize-French bean cropping system has been identified as energy-efficient and environmentally safer, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional maize-fallow systems (Babu et al., 2023). Additionally, straw incorporation in maize cultivation has been shown to improve water use efficiency and yield, while also contributing to soil conservation and reduced environmental burden (Figure 3). These practices not only conserve resources but also align with sustainable agricultural goals by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing biodiversity (Li, 2024). Figure 3 The relative importance of variables in maize yield and water use efficiency response to straw incorporation (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2024) Image caption: a: shows the relative importance ranking of factors influencing changes in maize yield under straw incorporation. b: shows the relative importance ranking of factors influencing changes in maize water use efficiency (WUE) under straw incorporation. The different colors in the figures represent various production conditions: blue for climatic factors, yellow for soil conditions, and green for field management practices (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2024) 8 Concluding Remarks High-efficiency cultivation techniques for fresh-eating corn focus on optimizing various agronomic practices to enhance yield and resource use efficiency. Key techniques include the selection of appropriate maize varieties, balanced fertilization, and innovative planting methods such as ridge-furrow systems with plastic mulching, which have been shown to improve water use efficiency and yield in semi-arid regions. Additionally, integrating density and fertilizer management has been effective in optimizing biomass accumulation and nutrient remobilization, thereby increasing grain yield and nutrient use efficiency. Drip irrigation combined with plastic mulching has also been identified as a successful strategy to conserve water and improve economic returns in arid areas. The adoption of high-efficiency cultivation techniques has significantly contributed to the development of the fresh-eating corn industry by increasing productivity and sustainability. Techniques such as high-density planting and optimized nutrient management have led to higher yields and improved resource use efficiency, which are crucial for meeting the growing demand for fresh-eating corn. These practices not only enhance the economic viability of corn production but also support the sustainable development of the industry by reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. The future development of the fresh-eating corn industry hinges on the integration and innovation of cultivation technologies. Continued research and development in areas such as precision agriculture, advanced irrigation
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==