Effects of strip till planter on soil physical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) growth in Northeast China

The soil properties of seedbed directly affect crop emergence and growth. To find out the optimal soil properties of seedbed for maize (Zea mays L.) seed in Northeast China, the strip till planter was designed. The effects of seed furrow treatments, surface compaction forces, water spraying treatments and their interactions on maize growth were evaluated. The experiments used a randomized complete block design, consisting of 24 treatments, in a 2 ? 3 ? 4 factorial arrangement. Two seed furrow treatments were bottom compaction (BC) and no bottom compaction (NBC). Each seed furrow treatment included the combination of surface compaction force (25, 50 and 75 kg) and water spraying treatment (0, 2.8, 5.7 and 8.6 m(3) ha(?1)). We have come to the conclusion that the performance of BC treatment was better than that of NBC treatment; meanwhile, the compaction force of 25?50 kg and the spraying water volume of 5.7?8.6 m(3) ha(?1) were the best choice for maize emergence and growth in Northeast China. This study provides a reference for the establishment of the optimal maize seedbed and the innovation design of maize precision seeder.