Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity under varying plant density and nutrient levels

Rehman, A. . Dept. of Agronomy; Saleem, M.F. . Dept. of Agronomy; Malik, M.A. . Dept. of Agronomy; Ali, A. . Dept. of Agronomy; Asghar, H.N. . Dept. of Soil Science

Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity under varying plant density and nutrient levels

2008

Rehman, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Saleem, M.F. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Malik, M.A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Ali, A. (University o(University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Asghar, H.N. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Soil Science)

Field trials on maize (Zea mays L.) single cross hybrid (32-w-86) were conducted during 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the effect of three nutrient (NPK) levels and three plant densities. The N levels varied as 200, 250 and 300 and P were varied as 100, 125 and 150kg per ha whereas K levels were 100, 125 and 150 kg per ha. The planting densities were 45x20 cm (111111 plants per ha), 60x20 cm (83333 plants per ha) and 75x20 cm (66667 plants per ha). Maize productivity showed variation due to environmental conditions. During 2007, the growth and overall performance of maize crop was better regarding all the parameters under study compared to 2006 as more rainfall received at vegetative growth period and there was gradual increase of temperature at tasselling and silking stage during 2007. However, in both years number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight (g), biological yield (t per ha) and grain yield (t per ha) were affected significantly by different rates of NPK and plant density. Maximum grain yield of 8.56 and 9.12 t per ha in 2006 and 2007, respectively was achieved in treatment where fertilizer was applied @ 250-125-125 kg NPK per ha and the crop was sown at spacing of 75 x 20 cm (66667 plants per ha). Also at this fertilizer and planting density significantly higher value of harvest index (40.42% and 40.58%) was achieved.

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