Assessment of the Transition from Conventional Soil Tillage to Minimum Tillage Technology in A Maize Crop with Three Hybrids – A Three-Year Case Study in Lanurile, Constanța County

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of transitioning from conventional soil tillage to minimum tillage technology in a maize crop, cultivated over a three-year period (2022–2024) in the village of Lanurile, Constanța County, Romania. The experiment was conducted under real farm conditions and involved three late-maturing maize hybrids: DKC 5810, P0900, and P0216. The crop was grown on partially irrigated land. Soil preparation consisted of a single pass with a cultivator, followed by precision sowing, while all other technological inputs (fertilization, crop protection, and irrigation management) were kept constant across the hybrids and over the years. The agromorphological and biometric determinations revealed superior performance for the DKC 5810 hybrid, followed by P0900. Differences in productivity parameters, such as grain weight per ear and thousand-kernel weight (TKW), were statistically validated using one-way ANOVA tests, confirming significant distinctions between hybrids (p < 0.05). The DKC 5810 hybrid recorded the highest average kernel weight and TKW, while also achieving the greatest yield per hectare. P0900 also demonstrated high adaptability and yield potential, particularly under irrigation. In contrast, P0216, although showing vigorous vegetative development, accumulated lower grain mass and yielded less compared to the other two. Climatic analysis over the study period showed a consistent increase in mean annual temperatures and a significant decrease in rainfall, especially during critical phenological stages such as flowering and grain filling. These climatic trends emphasized the importance of water management. The irrigation applied in four key growth stages successfully offset part of the rainfall deficit and supported optimal crop development. The results demonstrate that minimum tillage, when properly implemented under the specific pedoclimatic conditions of Dobrogea and combined with efficient irrigation and hybrid selection, can ensure competitive yields. This conservation practice reduces soil disturbance, minimizes erosion and compaction, and preserves soil moisture critical factors in semi-arid regions. Therefore, minimum tillage represents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional tillage in areas facing water scarcity and climate variability. These findings highlight the importance of hybrid selection aligned with specific tillage practices and climate adaptability. DKC 5810 is recommended for high-input, irrigated systems, while P0900 proves stable and productive in moderately intensive conditions. Further research is encouraged across other regions to validate these results and guide sustainable maize production strategies in Romania.