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Changes in the spatial distribution of maize plants affect solar radiation use efficiency

Spatial arrangement of plants is undoubtedly considered to be the key in determining high production levels of the maize crop. This study was conducted to evaluate the benefits of variations in the spatial distribution of maize plants. The spatial distribution has its effect on the leaf area index (LAI) and efficiency in the use of solar radiation. All these factors affect the yield of maize. The experiment was conducted in Frederico Westphalen RS, in 2015/2016 agricultural year. The experimental design comprised of a randomized but homogenized block in a factorial 4 × 3 × 7, namely, four variations of plants in one sowing line (0, 20, 40 and 60%); three plants with different spacings (pre-determined), and seven plant collections during the crop cycle with four replications. The increase in the variation in the distribution of plants resulted in greater LAI values and more efficient use of solar radiation. However, it did not show any effect on the crop productivity levels. Varation of spatial distribution increased the efficient utilization of solar radiation in different ways between plants in the sowing line. This happened due to increase in LAI values and the capture of solar radiation. Under favorable weather conditions, some possible failures in plant distribution in the sowing line do not interfere with the crop yield. This research recommends the acceptable levels of variation that do not compromise crop yield.