Influence of seeding rate and slope aspect on the productivity of ‘Shikhan’corn hybrid in the Bugulma-Belebey Upland

B.G. Akhiyarov, G.R. Abdulvaleeva, R.R. Abdulvaleev, L.M. Akhiyarova, B.Kh. Gazizov

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Abstract. This paper examines the results of field trials (2023–2025) on the ‘Shikhan’ corn hybrid, analyzing how various seeding rates (from 65.000 to 90.000 seeds/ha) and slope exposures (flatland, upper, middle, and lower positions) influence crop yield and grain characteristics. The research was carried out within a landscape-field crop rotation system in the Alsheevsky District of the Republic of Bashkortostan (Bugulma-Belebey Upland), supported by the Priority-2030 program at Bashkir State Agrarian University.
The results indicate that the maximum yields of green biomass (45,52 t/ha) and grain (10,21 t/ha) were achieved at a seeding rate of 85 thousand seeds/ha on the lower slope position, driven by enhanced moisture and nutrient accumulation. For plateaus and middle slope positions, a seeding rate of 80 thousand seeds/ha proved optimal. A further increase in seeding density to 90 thousand seeds/ha led to a significant reduction in yield across all topographical features.
Grain protein and starch contents were also influenced by planting density and topography. The maximum protein and starch contents (11,0 % and 69,0 %, respectively) were observed at a seeding rate of 85 thousand seeds/ha on the upper slope. The study revealed a clear trend of decreasing values for both quality indicators from the upper to the lower slope, with the difference in starch content reaching up to 10,3 %.
Results. These findings substantiate the necessity of site-specific seeding rates adjusted for topography: 80–85 thousand seeds/ha for plateaus and upper slope positions, and 75–80 thousand seeds/ha for middle and lower slope zones. Implementing this terrain-specific strategy maximizes yields, enhances grain quality parameters, and ensures higher profitability for corn production across the sloping lands of the Bugulma-Belebey Upland.

Keywords: corn, green mass, grain, yield, quality, agricultural landscape, slope, southern exposure, part of slope

For citation. Akhiyarov B.G., Abdulvaleeva G.R., Abdulvaleev R.R., Akhiyarova L.M., Gazizov B.Kh. Influence of seeding rate and slope aspect on the productivity of ‘Shikhan’corn hybrid in the Bugulma -Belebey Upland. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2026. Vol. 28. No. 3. Pp. 132–142. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2026-28-3-132-142

©  Akhiyarov B.G., Abdulvaleeva G.R., Abdulvaleev R.R., Akhiyarova L.M., Gazizov B.Kh., 2026

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Information about the authors

Bulat G. Akhiyarov, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Growing, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Bashkir State Agrarian University;
34, 50th Anniversary of October, Ufa, 450001, Russia;
bsau-bulat@rambler.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4739-5225, SPIN-code: 9400-4670
Guzaliya R. Abdulvaleeva, Postgraduate Student, Department of Plant Growing, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Bashkir State Agrarian University;
34, 50th Anniversary of October, Ufa, 450001, Russia;
grabdulvaleeva@mail.ru, SPIN-code: 9755-3870
Rishat R. Abdulvaleev, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Precision Agriculture, Bashkir State Agrarian University;
34, 50th Anniversary of October, Ufa, 450001, Russia;
rischatkim@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6251-7035, SPIN-code: 1453-9780
Luiza M. Akhiyarova, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of Research Department of Soil Science, Agrochemistry, and Precision Farming, Bashkir State Agrarian University;
34, 50th Anniversary of October, Ufa, 450001, Russia;
akhijarva-luiza@rambler.ru, SPIN-code: 6190-1447
Bulat Kh. Gazizov, Postgraduate Student, Department of Plant Production, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology, Bashkir State Agrarian University;
34, 50th Anniversary of October, Ufa, 450001, Russia;
bulat.22.12.2000@yandex.ru

Funding

The study was performed without external funding.