Effects of planting density and fertilizer combining on yield and its component factors of main extended maize varieties in Guangxi

[Objective] The aim of this experiment was to explore effects of planting density and fertilizer combining on the yield and its component factors of local main extended maize varieties and provide references for practical production. [Method]Complete randomized block design was applied in this experiment, three maize varieties viz., CP619, Yumeitou 105 and Yumeitou 168 were used as test materials. Maize yield and its component factors were investigated and measured under the combinations of different planting densities (39000, 46500, 54000 plants/ha) and three fertilization modes (conventional multi-application of compound fertilizer, single application of slow-release biotic fertilizer, and no fertilizer). [Result]The yield of CP 619 reached the highest at planting density of 54000 plants/ha, while the yield of Yumeitou 168 and Yumeitou 105 reached the highest at planting density of 46500 plants/ha. 1000-grain weight, ear diameter, and grains per row decreased with the increase of planting density. Under conventional multi-application of compound fertilizer, yield and 1000-grain weight of the three maize varieties were significantly higher than that under single application of slow-release biotic fertilizer, but no difference was found in barren ear tip, ear diameter and kernel per row under the two fertilization modes. [Conclusion]Conventional multi-application of compound fertilizer was the preferred way to get high maize yield, while slow-release biotic fertilizer could not supply sufficient fertilize in late growth period of maize. For single fertilization, suitable planting density was 46500-54000 plants/ha with the fertilization rate of 975 kg/ha. When choosing lodging-resistant cultivars, the organic base fertilizer should be increased to avoid yield reduction due to the lack of fertilizer in late growth period of maize.