Global Maize Project in Argentina: Oro Verde, Entre Ríos

A long-term field experiment has been established at Oro Verde (Entre Ríos) in the 2009/10 growing season. The crop rotation is maize-wheat/doublecropped soybean, with both crop phases occurring each year. Soil samples were collected during site establishment to characterize initial conditions, especially soil carbon content in the whole soil profile. Treatments include current farmer practice (FP) and ecological intensification practice (EI). Treatments differed in either cultivar, planting date, pest and weed control, or nutrient management practices.

Wheat crops in the 2009/10 season developed under excellent climatic conditions at Oro Verde. Wheat yields were 4,613 kg/ha for FP and 4,456 kg/ha for EI and were not significantly different. Summer crops also enjoyed adequate climatic conditions. Maize yields were 5,840 kg/ha and 12,551 kg/ha for the FP and EI treatments, respectively, a significant difference of 115%. Doublecropped soybean was planted immediately after the wheat harvest in December, and it was partially affected by Cercospora sojina, a fungal disease. Soybean yields were of 3,226 kg/ha and 2,612 kg/ha for the FP and EI treatments, respectively.

A proposal has been presented to the Ministry of Science and Technology of Argentina to fund determinations of nitrate and herbicide leaching and emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). IPNI-25