Tillage management practices in combination of plant growth regulators to improve root growth, lodging characteristics and maize productivity under semi-arid regions

Lodging is the main constraint causing corn (Zea mays L.) yield losses by reduces nutrient uptake and limited photosynthesis. A variety of tillage management measures combined with plant growth regulators can effectively coordinate the relationship between root lodging and corn yield, considerably reduce corn lodging, and increase corn yield. The aims of this study was to explore the effects of plant growth regulators combined with tillage management practices on lodging characteristics, stem thickness, mechanical strength, root growth, and maize yield. Therefore, a field study during 2021-2022 study years, with three tillage managements practices of D: (rotary tillage), R: (conventional tillage) and B: (minimum tillage), and applied two novel plant growth regulator Y: (Yuhuangjin, 27% ethephon and 3% DTA-6), Jindele: with active ingredients of ethephon and cycocel (w/w = 3:1) and CK: water spraying with conventional tillage. The results showed that Jindele + Yuhuangjin spraying with rotary tillage considerably decreased lodging percentage, enhanced root dry weight and its distribution, stalk microstructure, lignin content, morphological trait of brace root, nutrient concentrations and endogenous hormones of root bleeding sap and maize production. Under the EYD treatment considerably improved root growth, lignin content and stem mechanical strength, while considerably reducing lodging percentage. Furthermore, NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- under EYD treatment were considerably higher than that of treatments. Under EYD and EYR, the K, Fe, P, Zn, Mg, and Ca delivery rates were significantly maximum. The EYD treatment enhanced the root angle, diameter, dry weight, and volume of taproots. The Ć, c_m, and W_max of TRDW, ARD, and TRL were considerably greater under EYD and EYR treatments. The increase in RDWD, RLD, and ARD under EYD treatment helps root system development and improves the water and nutrients uptake, thereby yield increase 52.8% comparison to control group. Therefore, EYD agricultural practice is effective in improving the rhizosphere in semi-arid areas. There is huge potential in terms of environment, root growth, and production.