Exploring genotype, management, and environmental variables influencing grain yield of late-sown maize in central Argentina

Averaged grain yield varied from 5,555 to 12,078 kg ha− 1 among environments. Our best model described the spatial and temporal variation in grain yield (r2 = 0.91). Genotypes varied in their performance across environments and evidenced significant interaction with N availability. Management variables positively influencing yield were, in order of relevance, N availability and stand density. N availability had a positive decelerating effect, with an initial slope of 22 kg ha− 1 per additional kg N ha− 1. Increasing the stand density had a positive linear effect of 1,001 kg ha− 1 per additional increment of 10,000 pl ha− 1 (from 54,000 to 76,000 pl ha− 1 explored range). Presence of an influencing water table at planting had a negative effect on yield (− 1,361 kg ha− 1), suggesting that water availability could be in excess in later plantings. We demonstrated that, across a wide variability in soil types and rainfall, maize grain yield can be increased by choosing superior, high responsive genotypes, increasing stand density and applying optimal N rates. Results have important implications for guiding maize management and highlight that effective decisions require the combination of management options.