Optimizing Maize Production: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Economic Benefits through planting density - Driven Nutrient Analysis

Abstract

To investigate the changes in grain nutrient content and test weight with increased maize yield and explore strategies to balance benefits for growers and processing enterprises, a two-year density test was conducted on two maize hybrids with different genotypes. The results showed that higher planting density increased grain yield by 0.26-2.93 t ha-1. The variation trends of nutrient component yields and grain yield were similar, peaking at 9.0×104 plants ha-1. Although significant  differences in test weight were observed among treatments, all values exceeded 720 kg m-3, with no difference in grade. Protein content decreased by 0.18-1.19%, while starch and oil contents increased by 0.25-1.51% and 0.04-0.34%, respectively. The study used the product of nutrient content and test weight, named nutritional test weight for evaluating maize quality as a new indicator. Protein test weight significantly decreased with increased planting density, whereas starch test weight peaked at 9.0×104 plants ha-1 before gradually declining. Simulated maize pricing models based on nutrient component test weight effectively reflected yield and quality changes, enabling more reasonable pricing compared to traditional grade-based models. The new indicators better balanced the economic benefits for growers and processing enterprises, offering a practical approach to optimizing maize production and processing outcomes.

Keywords: planting density, Maize quality, Protein test weight, Starch test weight, Pricing model, economic benefits