Influence of the inter-row tillage on vegetative and productive performance of maize (Zea mays L.)

The effect of the inter-row tillage on maize (hybrid “Blason Duo”) growth, development and grain yield was under evaluation in a three-year study (2020, 2021 and 2022). The trial was performed by the long plots method on the experimental field of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The study included the following variants: 1. Zero inter-row hoeing; 2. Single inter-row hoeing (in crop growth stage 3rd – 5th true leaf); 3. Double inter-row hoeing (in crop growth stages 3rd – 5th true leaf and 7th – 8th true leaf); 4. Triple inter-row hoeing (in crop growth stages 3rd – 5th true leaf, 7th – 8th true leaf, and 10th – 12th true leaf). All studied parameters as plant height, ear length and diameter, grain yield, absolute and hectoliter seed mass were influenced by the inter-row hoeing performed. The highest results for all studied indicators were obtained for variant 3. The application of the third inter-row hoeing (in variant 4) led to crop damage and it is not recommendable to be performed in practice.