Gas Exchanges in the Leaves of Silage Maize Depending on the Forecrop and Maize Development Stage

Abstract

Crop rotation is an important factor limiting maize productivity in a sustainable farming system. A field trial was conducted to investigate: (i) whether the cultivation of silage maize in a short (2-year) crop rotation in succession after a grassland (grassland-maize), winter triticale (winter triticale-maize), or after maize (maize-maize) will affect the course of the photosynthetic process; (ii) whether these processes will be determined by the stage of maize development; and (iii) whether there is a relationship between gas exchange parameters, foliage characteristics, and silage maize yield. The study was carried out in the years 2017–2018 at the stages (BBCH): stem elongation (36) and flowering (65). Gas exchange parameters, features of foliage development, and the maize yield were evaluated. It was demonstrated that photosynthesis of maize grown after grassland was more efficient than after triticale and maize (higher stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and lower temperature). This result obtained by growing maize after grassland resulted in more favourable foliage characteristics (leaf area, leaf area index, chlorophyll content) and translated into a higher yield volume than after triticale and maize. The obtained results confirmed the positive role of grassland as a forecrop for maize compared to growing maize after winter triticale and after maize.