Seasonal impact on the soil temperature and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.) under different agronomic practices in tropics of India

Seasonal and diurnal variations in soil temperature play a critical role in baby corn production by influencing nutrient uptake and crop development. This study evaluated the effects of sowing windows, crop geometry and mulching on soil temperature dynamics and yield of baby corn. A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during the winter (January–April) and kharif (June–September) seasons of 2022 using a split-plot design with 3 replications. Results revealed that sowing windows, crop geometry and mulching significantly affected soil temperature at both the surface and sub-surface (15 cm depth) during both seasons. Late sowing (D₃) consistently recorded the highest surface soil temperatures (27.5–29.1 °C at 7:22 hr and 40.1–41.2 °C at 14:22 hr) during winter and kharif, followed by mid (D₂) and early sowing (D₁). Wider spacing (60 × 30 cm) without mulching resulted in higher surface and sub-surface soil temperatures compared to closer spacing and mulched treatments. Sub-surface soil temperature at 15 cm depth was also highest under late sowing and wider spacing without mulching across both seasons. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between soil temperature and baby corn yield, with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.57* to -0.98** in winter and -0.60* to -0.94** in kharif 2022. The study demonstrates that appropriate adjustment of sowing time, crop geometry and mulching practices can effectively regulate soil temperature and enhance baby corn productivity under varying seasonal conditions.