An Approach to Increasing Sustainability in Agricultural Systems: Evaluating the Effects of Different Cover Crops Yield Components in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract The use of cover crops are increasing in maize ( Zea mays L.) to improve soil quality and support sustainable production. This study evaluated the effects of different cover crop species on maize morphological traits and yield components under Central Anatolia conditions. Field trials were conducted during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 seasons at Erciyes University Agricultural Research and Application Center (Kayseri, Turkey). The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Six cover crop species ( Vicia villosa , Secale cereale , Vicia pannonica , Brassica rapa var. rapa , Lolium perenne , and Brassica oleracea var. acephala ) and a control plot were evaluated. Cover crops were sown in October and incorporated into the soil before maize planting in May. Plant height ranged from 141 to 236 cm in 2014 and 174–257 cm in 2015, with the highest values recorded in V. villosa (236–252 cm) and V. pannonica (257 cm) treatments. Stem diameter (15.3–25.3 mm) and corn size (length: 13.3–19.0 cm; diameter: 3.8–4.7 cm) were consistently greater in legume-based cover crops, particularly V. villosa . Grain cob ratio varied between 70% and 90%, reaching its maximum in V. villosa under two hoeing conditions. Corn yield ranged from 4634 to 8631 kg ha⁻¹ with two hoeings and 3895–7059 kg ha⁻¹ with one hoeing, with V. villosa producing the highest yield in both cases. The results indicate that Vicia villosa and Vicia pannonica are suitable and sustainable cover crop species for maize production under the semi-arid conditions of Central Anatolia.