engleski

Weather conditions impacts on maize grain yields in Vukovar-Syrmia County (Croatia) and Posavina Canton (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Maize is the most widespread field crop in Croatia, as well in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H). The maize harvested areas are covering about 35 % of total arable lands in Croatia and about 25 % in FB&H. However, maize production in the both countries is characterized by great yield variations among years. Reduced maize yields are often attributed to drought stress and high air temperatures during growing season, particularly in July and August. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the impact of weather conditions on maize yields in VSC (Vukovar-Syrmia County, Croatia) and PC (Posavina Canton, FB&H) during 2005-2011 period. The both areas a characterized by very similar climatological elements as they are spatially connected ; only Sava river divides them. The both, VSC and PC contribute to maize production with about 11% of total maize harvested areas, although PC covering only 1.24 % of Federation territory. Average maize yield during analyzed period was higher in both, VSC and PC (7.32 and 5.05 t ha-1) compared to the states means (6.64 and 4.44 t ha-1 for Croatia and FB&H). The yield varied from 5.39 to 8.38 t ha-1 and from 3.98 to 6.06 t ha-1 in VSC and PC, respectively. The lowest yields in 2007 are consequences not only of drought, but also of very hot summer. Precipitation amount during July and August slightly exceeded 50 % of long term mean, while mean air temperatures was for 3.2°C and 2.3°C higher in PC and VSC. The result showed that climatologically elements, especially air temperatures and precipitation amounts and theirs distribution play an important role in the yield formation.

maize ; yield ; precipitation ; air-temperature

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