Growth and yield performance of maize seeded in line and broadcasted to varying doses of nitrogen

Abstract

Improving production through better agronomic management is continued to feed ever-increasing population. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of N on maize seeded in line or broadcasted. Treatments included four level of urea nitrogen (N), i.e. 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 and two sowing techniques, i.e. drill sowing (improved) and broad cast (farmer practice). Improved method of sowing had improved yield and yield contributing parameters whereas emergence m-2 and biological yield was higher in broadcast method of sowing. Increasing N application had increased biological yield, number of plants at harvest and grains ear-1 linearly. Cobs per plant, grain yield, 1000 grains weight and harvest index showed sigmoid response to N application and was maximum at 120 kg N ha-1. Sowing of maize seed in line method and receiving 120 kg N ha-1 had increased grain yield by 45% over broad cast method of sowing receiving the same dose of nitrogen. However, the farmer practices method had increased the forage (straw) when received higher amount of N, i.e. 180 kg N ha-1. Thus, it is concluded from the experiment that application of 120 kg N ha-1 and seed sown in line had increased the yield and yielding parameters, compared to other treatments and is, therefore, recommended for general cultivation of variety Azam in agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.