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We investigated, under field conditions and during four years (2018–2021) the effects of five irrigation levels (T1: 100% of crop water requirement; T2: 80% of T1; T3: 60% of T1; T4: 40% of T1, and T5: 0% of T1 – rainfed) in interaction with three planting densities (PD1: 54 900, PD2: 64 900, and PD3 75 200 plants/ha) on the yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize in Srem, Serbia. The results indicate a large year-to-year variability, mainly due to the total amount and distribution of rainfall. Water regime and PD interacted significantly. Irrigation increased grain yield 28, 34, 30 and 18% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, compared to the T5; and significantly influenced the yield components. Planting density had significantly lower effects on grain yield compared to irrigation (+1.4–1.8%). WUE is maximised (3.436 kg/m3) at T4 under 75 200 plants/ha. Grain yield and WUE increased significantly with increasing PD, while the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1 000 grains decreased with increasing PD. In conclusion, limited irrigation at T2 under PD2 may be a viable method to maximise production efficiency and maize yield under the environmental conditions of this study and at sites with similar soil and climatic conditions.

Variable frequent drought periods in Vojvodina region (the southeastern part of the Pannonian Plain, Serbia), severely limit maize (Zea mays L.) production under rainfed conditions. A four-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sprinkler deficit irrigation and plant density on yield and water use efficiency of maize grown on silty clay loam soil under temperate continental climate. The experiment included fully irrigated crop (I1), three deficit irrigation treatments (I2, I3 and I4 corresponding to 80, 50 and 40 % of crop evapontranspiration, respectively) and non-irrigated treatment (I0), and three plant densities (LPD: 54,900 plants ha–1 ; MPD: 64,900 plants ha–1 ; HPD: 75,200 plants ha–1 ) in four replicates. The results showed that grain yield, CWP (crop water productivity) and IWP (irrigation water productivity) varied significantly with irrigation amounts, plant densities and seasons. The irrigation rates and plant density interact significantly. MPD and HPD differed significantly from LPD in almost all seasons. With increasing irrigation and plant density, yield and CWP showed an increasing trend. The relative values of IWP increased with the rise of plant density and decreased with the amount of irrigation. The highest four-year average yield (15.03 t ha–1 ) was obtained in the I1-HPD treatment, while the lowest (9.30 t ha–1 ) was obtained in the I0-HPD treatment. The highest average values of CWP and IWP were recorded at I3-HPD or/and I2-HPD. The lowest CWP and IWP values were determined for I4- HPD and I4-MPD, respectively. In the pedo-climatic conditions of Vojvodina and similar regions, we recommend growing maize under the I1-HPDtreatment to achieve high yields. Under the water shortage conditions, the application of I2-HPD treatment is a favorable strategy saving 37 % of irrigation water, while reducing maize grain yield by ~10 %.

Crop density is a means that controls grain yield establishment. This study was focused on evaluating the effect of four crop densities (CD1—50,125 plants ha−1, CD2—59,523 plants ha−1, CD3—69,686 plants ha−1, and CD4—79,365 plants ha−1) on yield components, grain yield, sustainable yield index (SYI), and rain use efficiency (RUE) of the maize hybrids ZP 500, NS 5010, and AS 534 during 2016–2018. In 2017, due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, ear length, number of grains per ear, grain weight per ear, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, SYI, and RUE were low compared to 2016 and 2018. The hybrid NS 5010 had the lowest ear length, number of grains per ear, grain weight per ear, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and SYI. Increasing crop density significantly decreased yield components and increased grain yield, SYI, and RUE. The lowest ear length was recorded in treatments CD3 and CD4, the lowest number of grains per ear, grain weight per ear, and 1000-grain weight in treatment CD4. However, the highest grain yield, SYI, and RUE were recorded in the CD4 treatment because the number of plants per unit area is an essential determinant of the final grain yield.

Cover crops play an important role in low-input cropping systems, increasing the use of agro-ecosystem services. Due to the lack of information about the impact of cover crops and bio-fertilizers on popcorn maize (Zea mays everta Sturt.) growth and yield quality, especially the popping volume and nutritive quality, such as concentrations of protein and mineral elements, this research aimed to provide essential information. The interrelation between popcorn maize productivity and quality with important groups of soil microorganisms presents additional novelty. The results demonstrated that field pea is a beneficial cover crop, especially when combined with a bio-fertilizer, supporting the accumulation of maize biomass, chlorophyll, yield potential, and the concentrations of protein, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn. In addition, field pea residues promoted N-fixing bacteria, and the number of total microorganisms, especially actinomycetes and decomposing bacteria, which could promote nutrient uptake and grain quality. Residues of cover crop mixtures, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats, promoted the total number of microorganisms in the soil, and up to the end of vegetation, a greater number of decomposition and ammonification microorganisms were found, especially when the bio-fertilizer was applied, which consequently could support greater maize biomass. Popping volume, as a main trait of popcorn maize, had the highest value in the common vetch + winter oats variant, supporting again the statement that quality traits could be enhanced in sustainable production. Unlike living cover crops, mulch mainly affected soil microbial communities and promoted the development of actinomycetes and cellulolytic microorganisms during the growing season. The results of this research could contribute to the development of sustainable popcorn maize production for improved grain quality. They could also serve as a basis for isolating beneficial soil microorganisms to develop new

Soybean is one of the most important oil and protein crops in the world. Soybean accounts for 30% of the world’s edible oil production. A major problem affecting soybean production is low seed viability. One treatment that promotes uniform and rapid seed germination and increases resistance to adverse environmental conditions is seed hydropriming. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of hydropriming treatment on seed morphological and physiological characteristics. Three soybean varieties: Lela, Selena and Laura were used for the experiment. After a period of immersion in water (T0-control, T1-2h, T2-4h, and T3-6h), the length, and weight of the roots, stems, and seed germination were measured in a laboratory setting. Compared to untreated seed, germination was not significantly altered by seed treatment. This characteristic was primarily variety dependent, with seed of the cultivar Laura having the highest germination rate (98%) when treated with T0 and T1. The morphological characteristics of the seedlings differed significantly after hydropriming. After T1 treatment, the variety Laura had the longest root with 15.822 cm. In the T1 treatment, the variety Lela had the longest stems (9.033 cm). Seed treatment did not significantly increase root and stem weight. The results of the study show that seed treatment increases the ability of seeds to withstand stressful conditions, especially during prolonged droughts.

A trend to reduce pesticide use in Europe proposed by the European Commission , together with the lack of new active ingredients of herbicides available on the market and increasing number of herbicide resistance cases , made agricultural production being more challenged than ever . Therefore , adoption of integrated weed management and / or agro - ecological weed management into production systems could provide a solution for more environmental friendly weed management . Applying lower herbicide rates is still under the question , since they are registered to be used in certain , recommended rates , while public awareness demands a reduced application . However , applying reduced rates could lead to genetic pressure , i.e .. metabolic resistance occurrence in weeds . The literature reports the possibility of applying reduced herbicide rates in cases when weeds are susceptible and other weed management practices are implemented into the control system . From this standpoint , crop rotation opens the possibility to rotate and apply herbicides with different mode of actions , making a good practice for herbicide resistance mitigation . In this review , the positive effects of crop rotation and cover cropping as traditional and more sustainable methods for weed control will be highlighted . From this standpoint , long - term experiments in maize were discussed toward possibilities to reduce weed infestation levels , and the use and impact of chemical weed control [13:25, 24. 11. 2023.] Nata: the same time . Furthermore , cover crops are able to eliminate weeds at early stages of crop developments , thus affecting weeds the same way as herbicides . The results indicate the importance of the combined application of chemical and physical measures in maize production as part of IWM , protecting agro - ecosystem at the same time .

Weed control in corn is a major challenge due to increasing problems with highly dominant weed species and herbicide resistance evolution. Common lambsquarters and johnsongrass constitute up to 80% to 90% of the weed population in many spring crops, such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and corn, in Serbia. Currently, acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides, such as the systemic selective sulfonylurea nicosul- furon, are most commonly used for chemical weed control of those species. A better under- standing of the impact of nozzle type and adjuvant use on nicosulfuron efficacy can help to improve control of common lambsquarters and johnsongrass and minimize herbicide resis- tance development. Field trials were conducted in Serbia from 2020 to 2022 to evaluate the impact of two adjuvants (a non-ionic surfactant [NIS] and a mineral fertilizer ammonium sul- fate [AMS]) and two nozzle types (drift-reducing nozzles and flat-fan nozzles) on common lambsquarters and johnsongrass control using nicosulfuron. Satisfactory biomass reduction of common lambsquarters (83% to 87%) and johnsongrass (83% to 97%) was achieved after nicosulfuron application. Adding a NIS adjuvant increased the biomass reduction for common lambsquarters (94% to 98%) and johnsongrass (90% to 100%) independently of the nozzle type used. Selection of nozzle type did not show consistent effects on common lambsquarters and johnsongrass control. Nicosulfuron efficacy was increased with NIS adjuvant for both nozzle types compared to nicosulfuron solo for both species, and Extended Range (XR) TeeJet® nozzles on average resulted in a higher efficacy for common lambsquarters compared to Turbo TeeJet ® induction. Adding a mineral AMS adjuvant resulted in lower biomass reduction for both nozzle types and weed species (65% to 78% and 61% to 91% for common lambsquarters and johnson- grass, respectively). Corn grain yield was predominantly influenced by annual meteorological

A greenhouse study was conducted to test the effects of low herbicide dose exposure on different crops measuring visible damages, plant height, leaf area, and dry matter. Seven crops were tested: lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Novosadska majska maslena, oil pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch) cv. Olivija, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cv. NS Ras, pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Kurtovska kapija, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) cv. ZP Laura, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. NS Kruna, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Dunavski Rubin. Herbicide dicamba in the range of 0.14 to 1 155.6 g a.i. (active ingredient)/ha inhibited biomass, height, leaf area, and visual injury of all crops, while glyphosate doses from 0.48 to 3 840 g a.i./ha also reduced the growth of all tested species. A rate of 116 g a.i./ha mesotrione was needed to reach 80% visual injury in oilseed rape, while the same effects on lettuce only required 1.8 g a.i./ha of mesotrione. Tomato and oil pumpkin were also sensitive to low mesotrione doses, where only 1.3 g and 0.5 g a.i./ha of mesotrione was needed for 80% of biomass reduction, respectively. Lettuce was the most sensitive crop of all tested species; biomass was reduced by 80% by dicamba, glyphosate, mesotrione, and nicosulfuron at the low rates of 33 g a.i./ha, 19 g a.i./ha, 1.25 g a.i./ha, and 2.7 g a.i./ha, respectively. Among all herbicides, visible injuries were detected in dicamba at the lowest rates. Soybean was the most tolerant of glyphosate, mesotrione, and nicosulfuron. Based on the available literature and obtained results, herbicide off-target movement must be mitigated to maximise herbicide efficacy and decrease the negative influence on susceptible plants and the environment.

Nedostatak novih aktivnih supstanci herbicida na tržištu, praćen pojavom rezistentnih korova na postojeće herbicide, kao i klimatske promene koje utiču na korove, čine suzbijanje korova veoma izazovnim. Pored ovoga, plan Evropske komisije da se smanji upotreba herbicida za 50 % do 2030. zahteva pronalaženje rešenja za uspešno suzbijanje korova uz manje oslanjanje na hemijske mere. Jedna od mogućnosti koja je na raspolaganju je da se uz herbicide u rezervoar prskalice doda adjuvant kako bi usvajanje herbicida od strane korova bilo efikasnije i kako bi se herbicidi primenili u manjim količima. U ovom radu ćemo ukazati na potencijalne pogodnosti adjuvanata u cilju povećanja efikasnosti herbicida., The lack of new herbicide active substances on the market, accompanied by the emergence of resistant weeds to existing herbicides, as well as climate changes that affect weeds make weed control very challenging. In addition to this, the European Commission's plan to reduce the use of herbicides by 50 % by 2030 conditions the need to find solutions for successful weed control. One of the options available is to add an adjuvant to the herbicides in the sprayer tank in order to increase the uptake of the herbicide by the weeds. In this paper, we will point out the potential benefits of adjuvants in order to increase herbicide efficacy.

Crop rotation is a simple and effective part of an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) system. This approach makes it possible to rotate herbicides with different modes of action (MOA), avoiding or postponing herbicide resistance. Besides all the known advantages and benefits, it is still not widely used in maize production. In Serbia, about 30% of total maize production is a continuous cropping. The aim of this research was to test the benefits of growing maize in crop rotation with winter wheat compared with a continuous cropping, combined with pre-emergence herbicide application. Field trials started in 2009, and five maize-winter wheat rotations have been completed. Weeds were controlled with an herbicide mixture of isoxaflutole and S-metolachlor, applied at either the full label rate or half rate, while one plot was kept weed free (manually), and one was a control. Applying IWM decreased the fresh biomass of weeds and then density by 96% and 97%, respectively. In continuous maize, perennial weeds became dominant after the first rotation. Crop rotation significantly influenced maize productive parameters, decreasing the variation in leaf area index and grain yield, and increasing the magnitude of these parameters with the number of cycles. The biggest differences in the analyzed parameters were observed in 2015, 2017 and 2019, indicating many positive long - term henefits of crop rotation on maize leaf area index and grain yield.

Herbicides are the most frequently used method for weed control. Off - target movements follow every herbicide application. Because the launch of ALS- and HPPD - tolerant crops will increase the treated area, there is a need to point out the possible negative consequences of any particle drift from those herbicides. The gap in the existing literature suggests that this issue needs to be addressed. Since drift can injure susceptible crops, reduce pesticide efficacy, and increase environmental pollution, it must be minimised. Drift happens with every pesticide application and must be mitigated. Various factors influence drift such as nozzle type, working pressure, and boom height, can be managed. Others, such as wind, are not easy to manage. In our study, an herbicide tank - mixture of mesotrione with rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl was sprayed in a low-speed wind tunnel to simulate drift. The airspeed was set at 4.4 m s-1, representing the labelled upper limit for applications. The herbicide solution was sprayed through XR and TTI nozzles. Eight crops (cantaloupe, cotton, green bean, pumpkin, soybean, sunflower, wheat, and watermelon) were exposed to herbicide drift treatments and biomass data were collected 28 days after the applications. Droplet size spectra and tracer depositions were evaluated for each nozzle. Tracer deposition was higher in all downwind distances (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 m) from the XR nozzle in comparison to the TTI nozzle. Therefore, greater injuries were recorded for applications with the XR nozzle and lower injuries for applications through the TTI nozzle from 1 to 12 m downwind. Soybean and wheat were the two most tolerant crops, while the two most susceptible were cantaloupe and green beans. Because drift can injure crops, it is very important to mitigate drift in mesotrione and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron-methyl applications. This can be done by selecting the appropriate nozzle and ensuring optimal distances between crops

Maize is the top-produced crop in the world. Its chemical composition makes it suitable for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial uses. The total world production of maize in 2021 was 1210 billion tonnes from cultivating about 205 million ha. However, there are many limiting factors for cultivation, such as soil pH. Acidic soils are present on 30%–40% of the world's arable land, while more than 1 billion hectares are alkaline soils. It is important to choose genotypes of crops tolerant to high or low pH. Therefore, we conducted research in laboratory conditions on the influence of pH values (5, 6, 7, and 8) on seed germination and seedling growth of two maize Serbian hybrids ZP 4708 and ZP 5797. The hybrid ZP 4708 had higher germination energy (GE), shoot length (ShL), shoot fresh weight (ShFW), shoot dry weight (ShDW), germination rate index (GRI), and seedling vigor index (SVI) than hybrid ZP 5797. GE, root length (RL), ShL, root fresh weight (RFW), ShFW, root dry weight (RDW), ShDW, and SVI have the highest values in treatment with optimal pH 7, and lowest in treatment pH 5. However, these parameters did not differ significantly between the treatments pH 6 and pH 7.

Weeds are an important challenge in agriculture significantly reducing crop yields. The use of pesticides in conventional agriculture to control weeds is associated with environmental and health risks, which has led to interest in more environmentally friendly methods of weed control. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of essential oils as an alternative for controlling invasive weed species. The effect of essential oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeilanicum L.) on the germination of creeping thistle (Cirsum arvense L.) seeds was investigated. Germination tests were performed in a germination chamber at 4 °C for 21 days, as well as at 25 °C (day) and 15 °C (dark) for seven days. Each essential oil was applied at four concentrations — 1%, 0.5%, 0.2% and 0.01% — and water as a control. Cirsium arvense seeds were completely prevented from germinating when exposed to treatments containing high amounts of EO essential oils (1% and 0.5%). The most effective oil at a concentration of 0.2% to prevent seed germination was cinnamon oil, which had a 30% germination success rate. Oregano and lavender were next, with 31% and 35% germination success. The lowest concentration applied to creeping thistle seed for all oils was similar. The average number of germinating seeds in a concentration of 0.01% was 45%. The obtained results show that it is possible to use essential oils as natural pesticides to control various weeds in sustainable agriculture.

Savremena poljoprivredna proizvodnja se suočava sa progresivnim smanjenjem obradivih površina, zagađenjem zemljišta i voda, ekstremnom fluktuacijom meteoroloških uslova, nedostatkom đubriva, kao i enormnim skokom cena istih. Upotreba mineralnih đubriva dugoročno dovodi do iscrpljivanja zemljišta mikro-hranivima i smanjenja plodnosti i organske materije. Danas sve više raste potreba za primenom drugačijih izvora hraniva koji bi u potpunosti zadovoljili potrebe useva i povoljno se odrazili na plodnost zemljišta. Stajnjak je jedan od najznačajnih đubriva koji utiče na plodnost zemljišta, ali nedostatak stočnog fonda uslovljava njegovu (ne) raspoloživost. Stoga su razvijeni održivi sistemi đubrenja, kao što su zelenišna đubriva, malč, kompost i biohar, koji povoljno utiču na kvalitet zemljišta i na prinos gajenih biljaka, posebno kada se koriste duži niz godina. Bio-đubriva se sas toje od korisnih mikroorganizama i predstavljaju jedinstvenu praksu za poboljšanje plodnosti zemljišta i prinosa useva. Pojedinačni mikroorganizmi, kao i njihovi konzorcijumi, mogu da ubrzaju razlaganje žetvenih ostataka, povećaju pristupačnost makro- i mikro-elemenata iz zemljišta i promovišu rast i fitnes biljaka sintetišući fitohormone i stimulatore. Pokazalo se da organska i bio-đubriva, posebno pri dugotrajnoj primeni, mogu da održe, kao i da povrate plodnost erodiranim zemljištima. Takođe, njihova upotreba se povoljno odražava i na rast i potencijal prinosa gajenih biljka, obezbeđujući im sve potrebne makro- i mikro-elemente, kao i brojne druge protektivne i stimulativne supstance., Modern agricultural production is faced with a progressive reduction of arable land, soil and water pollution, extreme fluctuations in meteorological conditions, a lack of fertilizers, as well as an enormous jump in their prices. The use of mineral fertilizers in the long term leads to depletion of the soil with micro-nutrients and a decrease in fertility and organic matter. Today, the need for the application of different sources of nutrients that would fully satisfy the needs of crops and have a favorable effect on soil fertility is growing. Manure is one of the most important fertilizers that affects soil fertility, but the lack of livestock determines its (una) availability. Therefore, sustainable fertilization systems have been developed, such as green manures, mulch, compost and biochar, which have a favorable effect on the quality of the soil and the yield of cultivated plants, especially when used for many years. Bio-fertilizers consist of beneficial microorganisms and are a unique practice for improving soil fertility and crop yields. Individual microorganisms, as well as their consortia, can accelerate the decomposition of crop residues, increase the availability of macro- and micro-elements from the soil, and promote plant growth and fitness by synthesizing phytohormones and stimulators. It has been shown that organic and bio-fertilizers, especially with long-term application, can maintain and restore the fertility of eroded soils. Also, their use has a favorable effect on the growth and yield potential of cultivated plants, providing them with all the necessary macro- and micro-elements, as well as numerous other protective and stimulating substances.

While climate change severely affects food production and its security, each practice which boost yield and quality of crops in an eco-friendly way is required. Soybean (S) and common millet (M) present valuable crops regarding nutritive quality of grains, and their intercropping (IC) can be used to enhance performance of both crops in a sustainable way. Field experiment was performed during 2018 and 2020, as completely randomized block design. Three combinations of intercrops: S-M, SS-MM and SS-MMMM, as well as sole crops were included in trial. Additionally, the influence of bio-fertilizer Coveron (containing Glomus sp., Trichoderma atroviride and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) was also investigated. The quality of grains was determined by measuring the level of three important antioxidants: yellow pigment - YP, total phenolic compounds - TPC and phytic phosphorus - PPhy. In terms of soybean, IC was insignificant for variability in concentration of antioxidants, while in millet grains, concentrations of Pphy, TPC and YP were significantly affected by IC. Pphy and TPC levels were mainly increased by IC, but not YP level. The only combination that influenced simultaneous increase of all three parameters was SS-MM combination. Consequently, this planting pattern is suggested as an effective for increasing antioxidants level in millet grain. On the other side, BF significantly affected only Pphy in soybean, increasing its concentration, which proved positive effect of BF on enhanced phosphorus availability and accumulation in grain. These findings indicate the importance of planting pattern in managing nutritive quality of grains, emphasizing 1:1 ratio set as alternating strips in soybean-common millet intercropping.

Climate changes are one of the biggest threats to food security. Sustainable agriculture, focused on eco-friendly practices for highly e cient food production, enables greater resilience and safety. This study experimented on intercropping and bio-fertilizer application as convenient ecological solutions for crop yield stability and quality. The experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2020 with soybean and common millet sown in three sowing patterns: alternating rows, alternating strips 1 (2 rows of soybean + 2 rows of millet), and alternating strips 2 (2 rows of soybean + 4 rows of millet), as well as sole crops (control), with or without a bio-fertilizer Coveron. Grain yield and nutrient grain yield response were calculated through land equivalent ratio (LER) and element-LER (E-LER), while quality was estimated based on the concentration of antioxidants (phytate phosphorus, total phenolic compounds, and yellow pigment) and elements in grains, including potential bio-availability of essential elements. Results revealed LER values to be >1 for all sowing patterns, with the highest one achieved in alternating strips 1 (1.38) together with a greater level of all antioxidants in millet grain. Intercropping significantly enhanced Fe and Mn accumulation in both crops and simultaneously decreased the concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, Cr) in millet grain. Potential bio-availability of essential elements, expressed through the ratio between phytic acid and Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn revealed smaller values in intercropped soybean and millet with the bio-fertilizer. The bio- fertilizer also increased the concentration of some micro-elements in millet grain, classifying it as a highly dependent plant to microbial inoculation. Interaction of intercropping and bio-fertilizer was most pronounced for LER, E-LER, and accumulation of Fe and Mn in grains. These results highlighted the benefits of soybean–common millet intercropping, especially in combination with the bio-fer

Cover crops play an important role in low-input cropping systems, increasing the use of agro-ecosystem services. Due to the lack of information about the impact of cover crops and bio-fertilizers on popcorn maize (Zea mays everta Sturt.) growth and yield quality, especially the popping volume and nutritive quality, such as concentrations of protein and mineral elements, this research aimed to provide essential information. The interrelation between popcorn maize productivity and quality with important groups of soil microorganisms presents additional novelty. The results demonstrated that field pea is a beneficial cover crop, especially when combined with a bio-fertilizer, supporting the accumulation of maize biomass, chlorophyll, yield potential, and the concentrations of protein, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn. In addition, field pea residues promoted N-fixing bacteria, and the number of total microorganisms, especially actinomycetes and decomposing bacteria, which could promote nutrient uptake and grain quality. Residues of cover crop mixtures, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats, promoted the total number of microorganisms in the soil, and up to the end of vegetation, a greater number of decomposition and ammonification microorganisms were found, especially when the bio-fertilizer was applied, which consequently could support greater maize biomass. Popping volume, as a main trait of popcorn maize, had the highest value in the common vetch + winter oats variant, supporting again the statement that quality traits could be enhanced in sustainable production. Unlike living cover crops, mulch mainly affected soil microbial communities and promoted the development of actinomycetes and cellulolytic microorganisms during the growing season. The results of this research could contribute to the development of sustainable popcorn maize production for improved grain quality. They could also serve as a basis for isolating beneficial soil microorganisms to develop new

Soil pH is one of the most important limiting factors for crop cultivation, including maize. About 30-40% of the world's arable land is acidic, and over a billion ha is alkaline. Today, there are 205 million ha of arable land under maize in the world, so it ranks third in area after rice and wheat. Maize hybrids have wide genetic variability and high pH tolerance. We tested the tolerance of maize hybrids seedlings of ZP 4708 and ZP 5797 to pH 5, 6, 7, and 8. Results showed that hybrid ZP 4708 has a higher adaptability to low and high pH, due to the higher value of germination energy (GE), shoot length (ShL), shoot fresh weight (ShFW), shoot dry weight (ShDW), germination rate index (GRI), and seedling vigor index (SVI) than hybrid ZP 5797. Results further showed, on average for hybrids, that pH 5 and pH 8 significantly decreased the GE, root length (RL), ShL, root fresh weight (RFW), ShFW, root dry weight (RDW), shoot fresh weight (ShDW), and SVI. These parameters did not differ significantly between pH 6 and pH 7. Seed germination was not affected by the pH, indicating that the seed vigor of both hybrids supports full germination potential. However, it could be expected that exposure to the lowest and highest pH values of the medium could affect seedlings growth in the field conditions, even though germination is high. SVI showed a positive and significant correlation with all investigated parameters, except germination (G) and relative seedling water content (RSWC)., pH zemlji ta je jedan od va nih ograni avajućih faktora za gajenje useva, a samim tim i kukuruza. Oko 30-40% svetskih obradivih povr ina je kisele reakcije, a preko milijardu ha je alkalno. Danas je u svetu 205 miliona ha obradivih povr ina pod kukuruzom, tako da on zauzima treće mesto po povr ini posle pirin a i p enice. Hibridi kukuruza imaju iroku genetsku varijabilnost i toleranciju za pH. Ispitivali smo toleranciju klijanaca novih hibrida kukuruza ZP 4708 i ZP 5797 na pH 5, 6, 7 i 8. Rezultati su pokazali da hibrid ZP 4 08 ima bolju sposobnost adaptacije na nisku i visoku pH vrednost jer je imao veću energiju klijanja (EK), du inu stabla (DS), sve u masu stabla (SvMS), suvu masu stabla (SuMS), indeks klijavosti (IK) i vigor indeks (VI) od hibrida ZP 5797. Rezultati su dalje pokazali, u proseku za hibride, da su niski (pH 5) i visoki pH nivo medijuma (pH8) zna ajno smanjili EK, du inu korena (DK), DS, sve u masu korena (SvMK), SvMS, suvu masu korena (SuMK), SuMS i VI. Ovi parametri se nisu razlikovali između tretmana pH 6 i pH . pH medijuma nije uticala na klijanje semena to ukazuje da snaga semena oba hibrida podr ava pun potencijal klijanja. Međutim, izlaganje najni im i najvi im pH vrednostima medijuma je dovelo do toga da nije moguće o ekivati jake klijance, iako je klijavost visoka. VI je pokazao pozitivnu i zna ajnu korelaciju sa svim ispitivanim parametrima, osim sa klijanjem semena i relativnim sadr ajem vode u klijancima.