Root Characteristics for Maize with the Highest Grain Yield Potential of 22.5 Mg ha−1 in China

In maize (Zea mays L.), rational root structure promotes high grain yield under dense sowing conditions. This study was conducted at Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China, 2019 and 2021. A traditional wide narrow row planting method adopted, with rows of 0.7 m 0.4 m. The cultivars DH618 SC704, which have potentials 22.5 15 Mg ha−1, respectively, were selected for the distribution characteristics high-yield high-density highest (20.24 ha−1) achieved by a density 12 × 104 plants ha−1. well developed that density, dry weight (RDW) 17.49 g plant−1 14.65 silking maturity stages, respectively; these values 7.56% 11.86% higher, than those SC704. At stage, proportions RDW soil depths 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60 cm 66.29%, 11.83%, 16.51%, 5.38%, DH618; over 20–60 layer, this an average 4.04% higher maturity, 61.40%, 11.19%, 17.19%, 10.21%, DH618, 9.59% SC704 layer. roots mainly distributed rows, accounting 72.03% structure; 9.53% densities 471.98 m−3 382.98 m−3, respectively (5.18% 5.97% SC704). lengths 239.72 199.04 16.45% 25.39% length 0.58 cm−3 0.46 16.86% 17.08% indicated hybrid had more increased deep compared to cultivar contributing planting.