2019 Volume 54 Issue 2 Pages 75-83
The twin-row planting system for corn cultivation, also known as the solar corridor cropping system, is a planting technique used to improve crop yields. The technique rearranges the spatial positioning of plants in an alternative crop architecture designed to maximize the capture of solar radiation and to improve crop growth. Twin-row planting systems in silage corn （Zea mays L.） decrease plant-to-plant competition, alleviate crop crowding stress, and improve yields. However, it is unclear whether twin-row systems are more suitable for increasing grain yield than single-row systems. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of twin-row and single-row systems on the growth and yield of silage corn in a 2-year field study. The results showed that dry matter weight and SPAD values at the 12-leaves and silking stages did not vary between the single- and twin-row systems throughout the 2-year study. However, leaf area index at the silking stage in the twin-row system was significantly higher than that in the single-row system. In addition, grain yield, grain number, and 100-seed weight in both the single- and twin-row systems did not vary in the present study. Consequently, further research for higher corn production would be required to determine the optimal single or twin-row systems that could improve corn growth and yield.
