MANAGEMENT ISSUES OF THE CORN CROP ON THE EUTRICAMBOILS FROM BREBU AREA (PRAHOVA COUNTY)

Regardless of its geographical position in Romania, corn is a plant of great importance for both human alimentation and animal nutrition, mostly in rural areas. Experiments conducted on the eutricambosoils from Brebu village have found that locals are using local varieties, with a 2-3 times lower productivity than that of specific hybrids in the area, but also that they are using monoculture, sometimes unlimited in time. Our experiences aim was that of changing some technological system links even on small surfaces of 1-5 ha. For this purpose, the varieties were replaced with hybrids, which leaded to yield increases of 1.5 times. It was also introduced the fertilization with compost obtained in the household, while potato, peas, alfalfa (jumping field) and corn were used as previous crops. The experience conducted for 10 years only confirms the negative effect of the local variety and of the monoculture (annually yields of about 5-10 q/ha). The ameliorative previous plants, such as peas and alfalfa, increased by only 4.6 q/ha the corn yield of the variety, which had no significant reactions not even to the compost fertilization. Introducing a hybrid from FAO 300 group, crop rotation and compost manure led to an increased corn production of up to 55 q/ha, opening a new economic vision for those who have chosen to try this system.