The effects of planting patterns and densities on photosynthetic characteristics and yield in summer Maize

In China, maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop, after wheat and rice, and is used as a staple food for humans, livestock and as raw material for many industrial products. The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is the most important maize production region; however, in recent years, during the maize growing season, especially during the pollination period, extreme weather, such as heat waves and overcast or rainy weather, has frequently occurred in this area. The objective of this study is to further explore the effects of planting patterns combined with plant densities on the photosynthetic characteristics of summer maize. Among all the treatments, the three- row strip planting pattern with a high plant density produced the highest grain yield in both years. Thus, the grain yield of summer maize can be mostly enhanced by using a three-row strip planting pattern, especially under a higher plant density.