Productivity of maize genotypes in acid soils of southern Veracruz with and without dolomite
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Keywords
Zea mays L., liming, yield stability, acid tolerance, genotype × environment interaction.
Resumen
Objective: To determine the effect of soil acidity on the growth and yield of maize genotypes (Zea mays L.) under rainfed production conditions, and identify those with greater productive efficiency with and without the application of dolomitic lime.
Design/methodology/approach: Twelve maize genotypes were evaluated in an acidic soil using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two trials were established: one with dolomitic lime application and one without liming. Plant height, main ear insertion height, and grain yield were recorded. Data were analyzed through individual analyses of variance, mean comparison tests (LSD, α = 0.05), and correlation analysis. Productive efficiency under limed and non-limed conditions was estimated using the geometric mean index and the relative efficiency index .
Results: Soil acidity reduced plant height by an average of 7.8%, ear height by 14.4%, and grain yield by 32.9%. SINT 1A and SINT 2B × V540 showed the best adaptation under acidic soil conditions. These same genotypes also exhibited the highest and values, indicating the greatest productive efficiency both with and without dolomitic lime application. Under limed soil conditions, V537C × V540 was the most productive genotype, followed by SINT 2B × V540 with acceptable grain yield.
Limitations on study/implications: The evaluation of genotypes was conducted under conditions of soil acidity combined with drought stress, which allowed the identification of genotypes with greater productive efficiency under adverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Multi-environment evaluations and additional cropping cycles are recommended to confirm yield stability.
Findings/conclusions: Soil acidity strongly affected plant architecture and productivity; however, liming improved plant growth and grain yield. SINT 3B × V-540 stood out for its stability and yield, making it a promising option for acidic soils in the Mexican tropics.