Nitrogen management studies in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nitrogen management methods on yield, yield components and quality attributes of maize hybrids (single cross-6142 and double cross-4444) under irrigated conditions. Nitrogen dose is met either by PM (poultry manure) or urea according to each treatment. PM was incorporated at the time of presowing irrigation whereas fertigation method at knee height stage and foliar spray at flowering were use for the application of urea. Results showed that plant height, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, grain yield and biological yield were significantly affected by the hybrids. Significantly, higher plant height, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, grain yield and biological yield were produced by single cross-6142. There was no significant difference occur between both hybrids on seed oil and protein contents. N management by the application of T3 (60% N from PM + 38.5% N from urea through fertigation + 1.5% N from urea through foliar application) produced significantly more plant height, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, grain yield, biological yield, seed protein and seed oil contents. The interaction of single cross-6142 and T3 (60% N from PM + 38.5% N from urea through fertigation + 1.5% N from urea through foliar application) was found superior in production of more plant height, cob diameter and number of grains per cob. However, interaction between maize hybrids and N application methods for grain yield, biological yield, seed protein and oil contents was reported nonsignificant. It can be concluded that single cross hybrid-6142) and T3 (60% N from PM, 38.5% N from urea through fertigation and 1.5% N from urea through foliar application) could be used successfully for improving maize yield under the irrigated conditions.