Effects of the Slow-releasing Fertilizer and Sowing Date on Waxy Corn “Mibaek 2” Propagated through Double Cropping without Tillage in the Middle Region of Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of slow-releasing fertilizer and sowing date on waxy corn propagated through double cropping without tillage. “Mibaek 2” was sown for first cropping on March 25, April 5 , and April 15, and for second cropping on July 5, July 15, and July 25 in 2018-2019. In order to save labor, slow-releasing fertilizer was utilized only one time before sowing. The accumulated temperature from sowing to silking was about 590-700°C. It took 65-77 days when “Mibaek 2” was sown in early April, but the one sown in early July took 42-52 days. In the first cropping, the culm length and ear length caused by the sowing date had no statistical significance, but the kernel set length was the highest at 123 cm in the sowing district on April 5. The weight of marketable ears was the highest at 100%, in addition to soil testing-based recommended fertilization. Meanwhile, in the second cropping, culm length, ear length, and yield were less compared to the first cropping. The culm length, kernel set length, ear length, and seed set length decreased as sowing date was delayed. The number and yield of marketable ears were the highest at 100%, in addition to soil testing-based recommended fertilization like in the first cropping. It has been found that securing yield by July 15 to finish the second seeding of the crop in the central part of Korea is advantageous. These results of this study will be helpful to farmers for the double cropping of waxy corn cultivation and management.