Optimizing Maize Crop Production in Northern Egypt Under Changing Climate

Abstract

Agriculture plays a vital role in sustaining food security and improving the economy of many countries. Maize is one of the most important crops grown globally, and its production is affected by several factors, including microclimate, sowing dates, irrigation, and nitrogen fertilization. In this study, a field experiment was conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, during two consecutive summer seasons in 2020 and 2021. The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of microclimate and water deficit conditions on maize crop production and quality. The findings of the study revealed that nitrogen fertilization at 120 kg N Fad-1 with irrigation at 90% of the entire furrow length produced the best yield and quality for maize crops under the study conditions. The study findings can provide valuable insights to farmers and agricultural researchers to optimize maize
crop production and improve crop yields under similar conditions. Future research could explore the impact of these factors on maize crop production in different regions and under different environmental conditions to further validate these findings.