Sustainable Maize Crop Management: A Multifactorial Long-Term Field Experiment in Hungary

This study presents a multifactorial long-term field experiment designed to evaluate the combined effects of fertilizers, hybrid varieties, planting density, tillage practices, and crop rotation on sustainable crop management. The treatments included three tillage systems (Ripping tillage, Strip tillage, Winter plowing), three levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 80, 160 t/ha), three maize hybrids (Merida, Fiednico, and P9985), two plant densities (60,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare), three types of tillage, crop rotation (winter wheat, maize) and irrigation (irrigated –non irrigated). The study was conducted in 2024 at the Látókép Experimental Station (Debrecen, Hungary). The experiment was established to address the need for integrated agricultural practices that optimize crop yield, soil health, and resource use efficiency over extended periods. The long-term experiment has a split-plot design. The main plot treatments are tillage and irrigation, with no replication. Data were collected following standardized protocols and statistically analysed using Genstat 12th edition. Results demonstrate significant interactions among the factors. The three hybrid treatments evaluated: Merida hybrid had the highest average yield (11.02 t/ha), followed by Fiedncio and P998510.67-10.51 t/ha, respectively. Interaction between hybrids, fertilizer, and tillage did not show a significant difference in yield, as determined by the Duncan multiple-range test at the 5% significance level. It could suggest using a low amount of fertilizer with any type of hybrid and tillage. Irrigated plots consistently outperformed non-irrigated counterparts. All hybrids with ripping tillage had the highest yields, and Merida yielded significantly more with ripping tillage (p<0.05). This suggests that Merida is a promising variety for cultivation, making it a preferred choice for farmers looking to maximize output. This research provides valuable insights into balancing productivity with sustainability, offering a framework for developing resilient cropping systems that can adapt to evolving agricultural challenges. The findings support the adoption of diverse management practices to enhance both economic and ecological outcomes in long-term crop production.