1

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF GMO HYBRID YELLOW CORN TO

TILLAGE AND RATE OF INORGANIC FERTILIZER

______________________________

A Thesis Outline
Presented to the Faculty of the College of Agriculture
System and Technology
Pampanga State Agricultural University

_______________________________

In a Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirement for the Degree
Master of Science in Agriculture
(Agronomy)

By

Alexander E. Santos
2018

Master of Sciences in Agriculture January 2018

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APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis proposal entitled “Growth and Yield Response OF GMO Hybrid
Yellow Corn to Tillage Practices and Rates of Inorganic Fertilizer” was prepared and
submitted by ALEXANDER E.SANTOS, M.S.A., in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences Major in Crop
Science, is hereby recommended for acceptance and approval.

VIRGILIO T. BAGUNU, Ph.D.

Adviser
__________________
Date Signed
===========================================================
PANEL OF EXAMINERS

VIRGILIO DM. GONZALES, Ph.D.

Chair, Panel of Evaluators

_________________
Date Signed

FILOMENA K. REYES, Ph.D.

Member, Panel of Evaluators Member, Panel of Evaluators

_________________ ________________
Date Signed Date Signed

Member, Panel of Evaluators Member, Panel of Evaluators

_________________ ________________
Date Signed Date Signed

Approved and accepted as partial fulfillment for the requirements for the degree
Master in Agricultural Sciences Major in Agronomy.
Passed the Final Oral Defense on August 30, 2018 with a grade of _______

Dean, College of Agriculture Systems and Technology

MYER G, MULA

Master of Sciences in Agriculture January 2018

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Growth and Yield Response OF GMO Hybrid Yellow Corn to Tillage Practices and
Rates of Inorganic Fertilizer.

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INTRODUCTION

According to Biotech facts and trends 2013 in the Philippines, the area planted to

biotech maize in the Philippines increased to 750,000 hectares, up 16% from the 644,000

hectares planted biotech maize in 2011. The area occupied in 2012 by the stacked traits of

Bt/HT maize was 675,000 hectares, compared with only 45,000 hectares in 2011, with the

stacked trait maize occupying 90% of total biotech maize hectares in 2012. The number of

small resource-poor farmers, growing on average 2 hectares of biotech maize in the

Philippines in 2012, was estimated at 375,000 up significantly by 53,000 from 322,000 in

2011

Moreover, James, Clive. et al, 2012 total hectare planted to the single trait Bt maize

decreased by 76% in 2012, with a total of only 3,000 hectares compared to last year’s

12,300 hectares. Single trait herbicide tolerant (HT) maize was planted on 72,000 hectares

in 2012, which is only 9.6% of the total biotech maize hectare compared to last year’s

13.4%. Bt/HT maize was planted to 675,000 hectares, compared with only 545,000

hectares in 2011, 90% of total biotech maize hectares in 2012. On a percentage basis,

biotech yellow maize has consistently increased by about 5% of the total yellow

According to the Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) 2010, corn contributed

Php18.8 billion to the country’s gross value added (GVA) at constant prices or about 12.5%

of the country’s total agricultural production. At current prices, corn contributed Php69.7

billion to the Philippine economy in 2010, which increased by 25.6% to Php87.6 billion in

2011.

Meanwhile, Brookes and Barfoot, et al 2013, an estimates place the number of corn

farmers at 1.8 million. The farm level economic benefit of planting biotech maize in the

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Philippines in the period 2003 to 2011 is estimated to have reached US$264.4 million. For

2011 alone, the net national impact of biotech maize on farm income was estimated at

US$93.6 million

Base on the Industry Corn Development Roadmap (2011-2016), Department of

Agriculture, Corn Sector, the yellow corn production is significant to the country’s

agricultural sector as it is a major ingredient for feeds utilized by the country’s livestock

and poultry sectors, including fishery, as fish feeds. Increasing demand in the livestock

(particularly hog/swine) and poultry sectors translates to an increased demand for yellow

corn. Yellow corn constitutes about 50% of the volume of poultry feed and 40% of hog

feed. The corn-livestock-poultry integrated industries contributed Php335.48 billion or

26.95% of GVA to the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) sector in 2011 at current

prices

According to Biotech facts and trends 2013 in the Philippines, the Philippine

government considers the wide-scale propagation of GM corn in the country as an

indication of its success and projected benefits to the economy, the smallholder corn

farmers, and the environment. As such, it is targeting to increase the GM corn area by

200,000 ha in 2016. According to US Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural

Service (USDA-FAS) the number of Filipino smallholder corn farmers (average of two

hectares) at 270,000 in 2010. The USDA estimates farm level economic gains from GM

corn production in the period 2003 to 2009 at US$108 million (Php 4.4B), and at US$35

million (Php 1.4B) in 2009 alone.

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Furthermore, Biotech facts and trends 2013 in the Philippines, the cost production and

value chain analysis in major corn producing regions also estimates income gains for

farmers from Php20, 000 to Php50, 000 per hectare.

Conceptual frame works of the study

Table. 1

Statement of the problem.

To maintain or increase the income of the corn farmer, reducing of corn production

cost, manipulation of cultural management land is the key, where now a days the advanced

technology of corn seeds developer anchored to the different cultural management of corn

production. The corn seed technology developer created maximum potential yield of

hybrid corn variety up to 12.0 tons/ha. Likewise, the limitation of using insecticide on

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major corn insect pest and the resistant of corn plants to the application post emergent

broad spectrum herbicide to kill weeds thus the hybrid corn seeds price is high as 11,500

pesos per hectare,

Moreover, land preparation using agricultural machinery also increasing the service

fee from 1,400 pesos single pass to 1,800 pesos per hectare due high fuel cost. Other hand,

man animal labor in also high to do land preparation like plowing, furrowing, off-barring

and hilling up needed to plant corn in field in the absence of machinery service in certain

corn production area. The service fee of man animal labor are ranging to 600 to 800 pesos

per hectare per day excluding the cost of snacks and meals.

Furthermore, application of inorganic fertilizer to support growth and development

of corn and to attain its potential yield. The increase in fuel cost the fertilizer cost also

increase hence fuel is one raw materials in making inorganic fertilizer and transportation.

The result of corn farmers’ field schools and corn farmers’ stake holder meeting conducted

by Department of Agriculture under corn banner program in region 3, the concern is to

reduce the cost of corn production and attain the highest potential yield per hectare. The

production cost of one hectare is ranging to an average of 55,000-70,000 per hectare this

include the pre-harvest and postharvest operation of corn production.

Finally, high cost of planting materials, land preparation such tillage and inorganic

fertilizer direct effect high cost production of feed corn, whereas this is the main concern

of corn and stakeholder’s are reduce the cost and attain the potential yield in corn

production. Above all, using biotechnology such as good quality seed and application

different tillage practices in growing a corn crop and adequate fertilizer rate ensuring that

soil is maintained to produce on a sustainable basis.

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In relation to this, GMO hybrid yellow corn will be evaluated to monitor the

performance under different tillage practices and rate of inorganic fertilizer application.

This will reveal least production cost and optimum yield. Hence, this study will be

conducted.

Hypotheses of the study.

The main hypotheses of the study is corn production manipulation of pre-harvest

cultural management affect the potential yield and cost production of feed corn.

The sub hypotheses as follows;

 Different tillage practices reduce the production cost of feed corn.

 Application of different kind and rate of inorganic fertilizer attain the

potential yield of feed corn.

 Combination of different tillage practices and application of different kind

and rate of inorganic fertilizer attain the potential yield and reduce

production cost of feed corn.

Objectives of the Study

Generally this study will be conducted to determine which tillage practices and

fertilizer rates will increase the yield of GMO hybrid yellow corn production and give least

production cost.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Climatic Requirements

According to Wiatrak (2013) optimal average temperatures for corn growth ranged

between 20 and 22°C. Corn can survive short exposure to low and high temperatures of 0

and 44°C, respectively. Temperatures between 0 and -2°C have very little effect on corn.

Stites, D. (2011) mentioned that the optimum temperature for germination for corn is about

15°C and the optimum temperature for growth in corn is around 26°C.

Soil Requirements

Farnham (2001) stated careful control of planting depth will improve stand levels

and produce more even plant emergence.

Larson, E. et al. (2008) reported ideal soil pH for corn production is between 6.0

and 7.0 and added that corn plants begin to develop problems in soil with pH of less than

5.5.

Wiatrak et al. (2013) mentioned corn is sensitive to the presence of hardpans and

responds well to deep tillage, Research over the past 20 years has shown significant yield

increases as a result of deep tillage when hardpans exist.

Larson, E. et al. (2008) reported ideal soil pH for corn production is between 6.0

and 7.0 and added that corn plants begin to develop problems in soil with pH of less than

5.5.

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Nutrient Requirements

According to Heckman, J. (2004) providing chloride to corn helps control stalk rot

disease and may improve yield.

According to Larson, E. et al. (2008) corn requires potassium as much as it does in

nitrogen, potassium is necessary to build strong stalks, fight disease, and move water within

the plant.

Wiatrak et al. (2013) recommended nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in a split

application to increase the efficiency of nitrogen application. Application of 30 to 40

pounds of nitrogen in planting is also recommended.

Raouf Seyed Sharifi et al. (2016) concluded that application of the highest N

fertilizer rate (225 kg ha–1) in three equal splits can be recommended for profitable corn

production.

Yosefi, Khatoonc(2011) application of the combined bio-phosphate and chemical

phosphorus fertilizer can be practical and helpful method to increase maize yield and

reduce the environmental pollution.

Mitiku Woldesenbet,et al (2016), stated the maximum N fertilization level (92 Kg

N/ha) showed increase in growth and yield components (number of kernels per ear and ear

length). However, the application of 69 kg N ha-1 seems adequate to get the optimum yield.

According to, Umeri C, Moseri et al (2016) the combined application of 40

kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha significantly increased maize plant height and leaf number. Therefore

they concluded the combined application of 40 kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha is recommended for

optimum growth of maize.

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Likewise, Onasanya, et al (2009) stated the application of 120kgN/ha + 0kgP/ha

and 60kgN/ha + 40kgP/ha significantly increased the growth of maize. From the result of

their study, application rate of 120kgN/ha + 40kgP/ha may be recommended for increasing

maize yield. However, application of 60kgN/ha + 40kgP/ha can also bring about increase

in the yield of maize.

On the other hand, Chrispaul Muthaura et al (2017) concluded the absence of N and

P nutrients significantly affects maize leaf number and bio-volume and eventually these

effects influence the achieved grain yield. The results of their study show the need to adopt

specific nutrient application instead of the former use of blanket recommendation for whole

regions

According to M.Pasuquina et al (2013) Site Specific Nutrient Management

(SSNM) has the potential to close existing yield gaps in the maize production systems of

Southeast Asia by improving yield, nutrient use efficiency, and profitability.

Mirasol F.Pampolinoa et al (2012) confirmed the Nutrient Expert for Hybrid Maize

(NEHM) increased yield and profit of farmers in Indonesia and the Philippines. In

Indonesia, NEHM increased yield by 0.9 t ha−1, which increased profit by US$ 270 ha−1

over farmer’s fertilizer practice (FFP). Compared with FFP, NEHM recommendations

reduced fertilizer P (−4 kg ha−1), increased fertilizer K (+11 kg ha−1), and did not

significantly change fertilizer N. On the other hand, NEHM increased yield by 1.6 t ha−1

and profit by US$ 379 ha−1 compared with FFP. Compared with FFP, NEHM gave higher

rates of all three nutrients (+25 kg N ha−1, +4 kg P ha−1, and +11 kg K ha−1), which

substantially increased fertilizer costs (US$ 64 ha−1) but still increased profit by about six

times the additional investment in fertilizer in the Philippines. They found out the Nutrient

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Expert (NE) accounts for the important factors affecting site-specific recommendations,

which makes it a suitable starting point for developing nutrient management tools to reach

more users.

Mirasol F.Pampolinoc et al (2014) showed the differences in agronomic and

environmental parameters between Nutrient Expert (NE) and Farmers Practice confirmed

that the Nutrient Expert for Hybrid Maize is a promising nutrient decision support tool

which not only increasing grain yield, nutrient use efficiency and profit, but also reducing

nutrient loss and environmental pollution.

ShaojunQiuaShicheng et al (2013) confirmed the Nutrient Expert (NE) for Hybrid

Maize, showed that fertilizer recommendation based on NE method could maintain grain

yield and profitability and improve nutrient use efficiency through 4R nutrient stewardship

and it is proved to be a promising approach for fertilizer recommendation when soil testing

is not timely or not available.

Effects of Tillage Practices

R.Derpsch et al (2013) the standardization of research methodologies in no-

tillage/conservation agriculture systems is needed based on a thorough description of the

whole system so that results from different researchers and regions of the world can be

logically compared.

According to My Agriculture Information Bank (2011) mentioned the minimum

tillage frequently gives as good as or even better yields than conventional tilling methods.

The said journal added that organic matter content increases in zero tillage due to less

mineralization. Also, erosion losses and polities are minimized in zero tillage.

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Muir, P. (2012) elaborated the conservation tillage is basically any system of

cultivating that reduces soil or water loss when compared to conventional moldboard

plowing, which turns over the soil completely. Most definitions specify that at least 30%

of the crop residue must remain on the soil surface at the time of planting.

According to Darby, H. et al., (2012) reduced tillage fields have been noted to be

colder and wetter as compared to conventional tillage. These environmental variables

could easily cause reduced populations. The average yield was 14.9 tons per acre, which is

low compared to yields of corn with similar relative maturity planted by means of

conventional tillage. This indicates that corn yields may be reduced in first years of

transition to reduced tillage practices.

Belvins et al. as cited in publication of Toliver, D.K.(2010) revealed in 1983, there

was severe drought stress during the growing season, but the no-tillage corn did not seem

to be nearly as affected by the drought as the conventional tillage corn. No-tillage corn

yielded 17-24% more than the conventional tillage corn.

Lamm,F. & Aiken, R.,(2006) stated the effect of tillage treatment was greatest at

the lowest irrigation capacity. These results suggest that strip tillage obtains the residue

benefits of no tillage in reducing evaporation losses without the yield penalty sometimes

associated with the higher residue levels in irrigated no tillage management.

Opara-Nadi,O.A. pointed out the conservation tillage prevents

degradation process and restores and improves soil productivity. It also has a wide

application for sustainable crop production on a range of soils in the humid and sub-humid

tropics.

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Mathew, R. P. et al., (2012) stated the soil under long-term no-till treatment had

higher soil carbon and nitrogen contents, total PLFAs, and phosphate activities at the 0-

5cm depth than that under the conventional tillage.

Sessiz, A. et al., (2010) reported the conservation tillage leaves most or part of crop

residues on the soil surface, thus effecting chemical, biological, and physical properties of

soil and added that soil temperature, water content, bulk density, porosity penetration

resistance and aggregate distribution are some of the physical properties affected by tillage

systems.

J.J. Afuakwa et al, (2012) revealed using the disc ploughing followed by disc

harrowing treatment produced the highest dry cob weight and highest 1000-seed weight.

Considering the soil and weather conditions of the experiment, the optimum tillage practice

for producing Akposoe maize variety is disc harrowing only.

Y.Zhao,et al(2011) stated the whole soil profile, deep tillage not only significantly

decreased penetration resistance and soil bulk density, but significantly increased soil water

content and root length density on loam, while deep tillage only significantly increased the

root length density on clay. They concluded that deep tillage on the loam is more suitable

for the root growth of summer maize.

Gandura O. Abagandura, et al (2017) stated the conventional tillage practice

presented the highest grain and stover yield followed by Ridge tillage and Zero tillage.

However, harvest index was higher where Zero tillage was applied. While tillage operation

costs were the highest for Conventional tillage followed by Ridge tillage and Zero tillage,

the production costs were the highest for Zero tillage followed by Ridge tillage and

Conventional tillage. In general, the Conventional tillage practice produced higher maize

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growth and yield, lower production cost, and higher tillage operation cost than those are

planted using RT and ZT practices.

Sadegh Afzalinia et al (2011) stated no tillage increased the soil moisture retention

compared to the conventional tillage method but the soil bulk density was not increased in

the no tillage method. Conservation tillage also reduced the soil surface temperature and

corn yield comparing with the conventional tillage method.

Tillage Practices and Fertilizer

According to Hawi Mohammed,et al (2015) using of 64 kg N ha–1+20 kg P ha–1

(100 kg DAP ha–1 +100 kg urea ha–1) and minimum tillage could be recommended for

optimum growth and yield of maize and also save the precious soil, money and time of

resource poor small holder farmers.

N. Abdul Rahman,et al (2014) revealed the Synergistic effect of the integrated soil

fertility management was more evident under bullock tillage. There was no interaction

between tillage type and soil amendment. Tillage system did not show significant

correlation among plant height, grain yield and other yield components under soil

amendment. However, among plant height, grain yield and other component under soil

amendment correlations were highly significant.

Moreover, a study tillage and nitrogen impact on maize conducted by Imtiaz

Ahmad et al 2010, found out heavier grains were produced in Conventional tillage as

compared to No tillage and with split application of Nitrogen as compared to sole.

Conventional tillage also produced significantly higher grain yield as compared to no-

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tillage. Year as a source of variation had significant impact on thousand grain weight,

grains ear-1 and heavier and more grains were produce.

In the study improving maize productivity through tillage and nitrogen

management of A. Wasaya, et al (2011) revealed the continuous cultivation of fields with

same implement (cultivator) creates a hard pan in the subsoil which adversely affects crop

productivity. They concluded that maize hybrids should be grown with 200 kg ha-1

nitrogen application by preparing the field with chisel plough followed by cultivator.

Moreover, Manuel Bermudes et al (2001) found out the starter fertilization often is

recommended to complement broadcast fertilization. They also know within-field variation

in yield and growth responses was not consistently related with starter treatments, soils, or

soil tests other than Soil test phosphorus TP. Large yield responses of no-till corn to starter

are likely when STP is below optimum or when preplans or side dress Nitrogen rates are

deficient.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Time and Place of the Study

This study will be conducted from January 2019 to May 2019 at Sto. Rosario,

Candaba, Pampanga.

Experimental Crop

Table. 1 Characteristics of GMO hybrid yellow corn variety will be used in the study:

NSIC Registration Number NSIC 2003 Cn 143

Commercial Name NK 8840
Recommendation Regional (Luzon and Mindanao
Varietal Characteristics
Yield (t/ha) 7.70
Maturity (days) 105.10 (DS) 100.7 (WS)
Plant height (cm) 194.2 (DS) 204.9 (WS)
Ear Length (cm) 16.66
Shelling recovery (%) 71.67
Reaction to pests and diseases
Resistant to: Corn borer, Earworm, rust and stalk rot
Agro-Climatic, Seasonal and Cultural Adaptations
Highly adapted to prevailing agro-climatic conditions in major corn growing areas
across the country. It performs very well both during the wet and dry season.
Others Features of the Variety
It has high yield potential, tolerance to lodging and has excellent ear-fill characteristic
and early maturity

Sources: Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry National Seed Industry

Council.

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Experimental Design and Treatments

An area of 3,300 square meters including alleys and boarders will be used in this

study with each plot measuring 5 meters x 6 meters. The field experiment will be layout in

Split Plot arrangement in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three

replications. Treatment arrangements are as follows:

Main Treatment (Tillage practices)

T1- No till, dibble method + spraying of Glyphosate herbicide

T2- 1 passing dish plowing, furrowing, hilling up + spraying of Glyphosate herbicide

T3- 2 passing dish plowing, furrowing, off baring & hilling-up (Farmer practices)

Sub-Treatment (Fertilizer rate)

F1-Farmer Practice (NPK rate/ha

F2-Recommended Rate (NPK rate/ha soil analysis)

F3-Site Specific Nutrient Management on hybrid yellow corn recommendation (SSNM

NPK rate/ha)

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Experimental Area:

Boarder distance per plot is 1meter

Boarder distances bet block is 2 meters

Plots Size: 5 meters x 6 meters = 30 sq. meter

Total area of experimental area = 1,100 sq. meter

Width distances - 55 meters

Length distance – 20 meters

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Soil Sampling

Soil samples will be collected from different sites of experimental area as basis for

fertilizer application. The composite soil samples weighing of about 1 kilogram was air-

dried and brought to Regional Soils Laboratory of Department of Agriculture Regional

Field Office III, City of San Fernando Pampanga for analysis.

Land Preparation

The field will be prepare based on different tilling practices.

No cultivation of soil and with rice of stubbles at harvest will be employed in

Treatment1- No till, dibble method + Glyphosate herbicide. The glyphosate herbicide will

be sprayed based on the recommended rate of six liters per hectar. After two weeks of

spraying of herbicide furrows distance will be establish using meter string guided with a

distance of 70 cm. and between hills at 20 cm. interval. The seeds will be dibbled to the

soil using improvise hole digger with 2 inches deep with stopper to maintain uniform deep

of planting.

Treatment 2- 1 passing dish plowing, furrowing, hilling up + spraying of

Glyphosate herbicide. A Four wheel drive tractor with dish plow implements will be used

followed by furrowing using animal drawn furrowing implements with a distance of 70 cm

between furrows and planted one to two seeds per hill at distance of 20 cm between hills

using farmalite. Hilling up will be done simultaneously with the application last

sidedressing of fertilizer. Herbicide application will be sprayed at dose rate of 12 tbsp / 16

of water at 30 days after seed sowing.

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Treatment 3 - 2 passing dish plowing, furrowing, off baring & hilling up (Farmer

practices), Soil cultivation will be 2 passing using four wheel drive tractor, followed by

animal drawn furrowing implements with a distance of 70 cm between furrows and planted

one to two seeds per hill at distance of 20 cm between hills using farmalite. Off baring will

be done using animal drawn implements at 15-25 days after planting. Likewise, hilling up

will be done using animal drawn implements at 35-40 days after planting.

Planting

Planting will be done 2-3 days to all tillage treatments application. Using 70 cm

furrows distance and 20 cm between hills at 1-2 kernel seeds per hill.

Thinning and Replanting

This will be done by removing unhealthy plants from experimental area one week

after emergence leaving only one vigorous plant per hill. Missing hills will be replanted

one week after planting using same variety. Spare seeds will be sown in 104 seedling tray

at same time when at planting in experimental area is done.

Fertilizer Management

The sub-treatment Farmer Practice fertilizer will be use based on his/her recent

fertilizer practices. The Kind and quantity of fertilizer will be commuted and weight in per

ha.

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Likewise, sub treatment base on soil analysis of the experiment area will be used.

The Kind and quantity of fertilizer will be computed and weight in per ha. Moreover, sub

treatment base on site specific nutrient management result will used. The kind and quantity

of fertilizer will be computed and weight in per ha.

Furthermore, two split application of all fertilizer material will be applied. During

planting half of nitrogen and potassium and whole amount of phosphorus will be applied

basal during planting while the remaining half of nitrogen and potassium will be sidedress

at 25 – 30 days after planting or at before hilling up.

Water Management

Irrigation will be done using furrow irrigation in a cultivated treatments and while

flush irrigation will be employed at no tillage and following the 8 to 10 days interval or

when necessary. Irrigation will be stopped a week before harvesting. Irrigation was stopped

a week before harvesting

Weed Management

Glyphosate herbicide will be applied after planting at 20-25 to the all plots under

Treatment two while Treatment one will sprayed two weeks before planting to all plots.

The treatment 3 weeding will be done using off barring and hilling up using animal drawn

implements at 20-25 days after planting and 35-40 days after planting.

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Pest and Disease Management

Monitoring of sucking insect pest and diseases will be done in a weekly basis.

Harvesting

Harvesting will be done base on physiological maturity of the yellow corn variety used.

Data to be gathered

The Ten randomly selected plants in each plot with tags excluding boarder plants will be

considered as samples in gathering the necessary data for growth parameters.

1. Stand count

This will be gathered by counting the number of plants from the two center rows

two weeks after planting.

2. Number of Days to tasseling

This will determined by counting and recording the number of days from planting

to the time when 50% of the plants produce tassel.

3. Number of Days to silking

This will be taken by counting and recording the number of days from planting to

the time when 50% of the plants produce silk.

4. Days to harvest

This will be taken by counting and recording the number of days from planting to

the time when ears are harvested.

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5. Plant height at harvest

Ten sample plants will measured from the first node up to the tip of the tassel using

tape measure.

6. Ear height at harvest

This will be measured from the first node up to the tip of the ear using tape measure.

The biggest ear will be measured in case multiple ears are present in one plant.

7. Leaf length

The leaf below the biggest ear will be measured at harvesting time from the base to

the tip of the leaf using tape measure.

8. Stalk diameter

This will be measured during harvesting at the stalk below the biggest ear using

vernier caliper.

9. Ear length

This will be measured from the base to the tip of the ear using tape measure.

10. Ear Diameter

Sample ears will be measured at the middle portion of the ear using vernier caliper.

11. Ear Weight

This will be gathered by weighing the samples ears using weighing scale.

Yield Parameters

12. Number of kernel rows per ears

This will be obtained by counting the kernel rows per ears produce in each plots.

13. Total number of kernel plots.

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This will be taken by counting the all kernels per ears produce in each plots.

14. Weight of ears with husk produce in each plots.

This will be obtain by weighing the ears with husks in each plot using a small

calibrated weighing scale.

15. Weight of ears without husk produce in each plots.

This will be conducted by weighing the ears without husks in each plot using a

small calibrated weighing scale.

16. Weight of total corn kernel at fresh basis produce in each plots.

This will be employed by weighing the total number of corn kernel in each plot

using a small calibrated weighing scale.

17. Weight of total corn kernel at 14 percent moisture content basis produce in each plots.

This will be done by two days sun drying the fresh total corn kernel and calculated

the moisture content at 14 percent using calibrated grain moisture meter the total number

of corn kernel in each plot using a small calibrated weighing scale.

1. Cost and Return Analysis in Hectare Basis at different treatment will be calculated.

This will be computed using the formula below:

Net Income (P) = Gross Income (P) - Total Expenses/Cost (P)

ROI = Net Income (P) X 100% Total Production Cost

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Department of Agriculture Region V,(2007). GMA Corn

Program. Retrieved on January 2018 from
http://bicol.da.gov.ph/PROGRAMS/GMACORN%20program.html

Graham Brookes & Peter Barfoot 2017, Environmental impacts of genetically modified
(GM) crop use 1996–2015: Impacts on pesticide use and carbon emissions. Retrieved on
January 2018 from https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2017.1309490

Farnham, D.(2001). Corn Planting Guide. Department of Agronomy, Iowa State

University. Retrieved on September 2001 from file:///F:/New%20folder%20
(2)/PM1885.pdf

Heckman,J.(2004).Plant Nutrient Recommendations for Corn.Rutgers Cooperative

Research & Extension. Retrieved on 2004 from file:///F:/New%20folder%20
(2)/fs174.pdf

Lamm, F. R. and Aiken, R. M., (2006). Effect of Tillage and Irrigation Capacity on Corn
Production. Retrieved on 2006 from
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/irrigate/Reports/Lamm06ICT.pdf

Larson, E., et al. (2008). Corn Fertilization. Extension Service of Mississippi State
University. Retrieved on 2008 from
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Onasanya, R. O. and Aiyelari, O.P. and Onasanya, A. and Oikeh, S. and Nwilene, F.E.
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References on Tillage

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Tillage and fertilizers references

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