Abstract:
Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a
significant role as a fodder crop, supporting
rural populations and livestock.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a
shortage of green fodder due to the
unbalanced use of fertiliser and improper
selection of maize varieties for fodder
production. This research aimed to address
the need for quality fodder by studying the
effects of nitrogen (N) on new maize
varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock
production and agricultural sustainability.
The experiment took place in the summer of
2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in
Pakistan. Adopting an RCB design with
three replications, fodder maize varieties
(Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with
four N levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg N ha−1)
applied during sowing, knee (V4), and
silking stages. The data upon analysis
revealed that different maize varieties had a
significant impact on the studied parameters.
Maize varieties affected days to tasselling
and silking, with the Jumbo variety
recording the longest duration (59 and 62,
respectively). Similar results were observed
for days to milking, with the Jumbo variety
taking the longest time (80 days). It also
recorded a higher leaf number (11.5), leaf
area (478 cm−2) and leaf area index (3.4).
Fresh fodder (67,777 kg ha−1) and dry fodder
yield (23,424 kg ha−1) were higher for the
Jumbo variety. In terms of N application,
tasselling (59) and silking (62) took more
days when 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 was
applied compared to the control. Compared
to the control plots (83 days), 200 kg N
delayed the milking stage by 10 days. A
higher but statistically similar leaf count, leaf
area and leaf area index were recorded with
150 and 200 kg N ha−1. The plant height of
maize was also higher, with 150 (196 cm)
and 200 kg N ha−1 (202 cm). Lastly, a higher
fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was
associated with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1.
Based on these results, the Jumbo variety,
with the application of 150 kg N ha−1, is
recommended for cultivation for economic
feasibility and to obtain a higher fodder yield
of maize.
