Green Global
Foundation   Journal
...an emerging window for scientific research and publication across the globe

PARTITIONING OF DRY MATTER AND GRAIN YIELD POTENTIAL IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AS INFLUENCED BY PLANT DENSITY, RATE AND TIMING OF NITROGEN APPLICATION (Pages : 1 - 7)

Efficient use of nitrogen is considered as one of the most important input needed for increasing productivity in maize. In order to study the response of dry matter partitioning and grain yield potential in maize to plant density, rate and timing of nitrogen application an experiment was designed and conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of the NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar for two consecutive years in summer 2002 and summer 2003. Factorial experimental treatments were two plant densities (60,000 and 100,000 plants ha-1 ) and three nitrogen rates (60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1 ) applied to main plots, while six split application for N in different proportions were applied to subplots at different growth timings of maize (cv. Azam), in two equal, three equal, three unequal, four equal, five equal and five unequal splits at sowing and with 1st , 2nd , 3rd & 4th irrigation at two weeks intervals. The crop was irrigated at two weeks interval i.e. 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after emergence. Data was recorded on dry matter content (g) of leaf, stem, ear, ear sheath, tassel, plant and grain yield. Increasing N rates significantly enhanced the dry matter content of all the parameter studied except tassel weight. Similarly except tassel and ear sheath weight the dry matter content of all other parameters was significantly increased with increase in number of split application for N. Plant density had no significant effect on the dry matter content of all the parameters under study. Years had only significant affect on ear dry matter and grain yield plant -1 . Higher rate of 180 kg N ha-1 , about 50 % more than recommended rate for maize with four or five splits increased dry matter content and grain yield plant -1 is therefore recommended for the irrigated tracts and high rain fall areas of Pakistan in general and in NWFP in particular which contribute more than 50% of the total country production in maize. Download