Growth of plants and productivity of corn in cold climate

Under conditions of a relatively cool and humid growing season in the central agro-climatic region of the Komi Republic, corn is not inferior in terms of growth rate and photosynthetic activity, traditionally cultivated under the conditions of the northern Non-Black Earth region crops. The purpose of the research is to study the possibility and prospects of growing early ripe corn hybrids in the soil and climatic conditions of the Komi Republic. Field experience was established on the basis of the Institute of Agriculture of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2016-2017 on an area of 1.6 hectares. In 2016, 6 varieties of corn were studied, and in 2017, in addition to them, another 15. Thus, out of 21 varieties and hybrids, 7 varieties were selected for further study. The article presents the results of a preliminary study of the ecological testing of early-ripening hybrids of corn when cultivating them in agroclimatic conditions of the Komi Republic. The features of growth and development of corn hybrids, formation of the green mass harvest are considered. As a result of the research, the Uralskiy 150 with the best fodder characteristics was identified among the studied hybrids. Uralsky 150 formed 11-12 leaves with a specific leaf density of 0.30 g/dm2. The LAI of the cenosis was 4 m2/m2. The maximum rate of photosynthesis of the leaves was 17 μmol CO /m2s. The average for two years the yield of green mass 2 of the studied variety sample and hybrids of corn was amounted to 380 centner/ha. The dry matter content in biomass did not exceed 20%, the content of crude protein reached 12%, and fiber 29%.