Response of Maize to Split Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer at Bako.

Tolesa Debele; Gemechu Gedano; Melakeselam Leul

Response of Maize to Split Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer at Bako.

1994

Tolesa Debele | Gemechu Gedano | Melakeselam Leul

To investigate response of maize to N levels in split applications an experiment was conducted at Bako Research Center. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) arranged in factorial with four levels of N (25, 50, 75, 100 kg/ha N) and five levels of percent N application (0, 25, 33, 50, 100 percent) at three growth stages of maize plant, i.e. sowing, knee-height and flag-leaf emergence. The combined analysis over years showed that there was a significant yield difference for N levels (P equal to 0.001). Maize grain yield increases as N levels increase. N split application and interaction between N levels by split application were non significant. From agronomic and economic analysis 75 kg ha-1 N is the most profitable. Least cost analysis showed split application of N fertilizer half at knee-height and half at flag-leaf emergence stage less costly. It is concluded that application of 75 kg ha-1 dN half at knee-height and half at flag leaf emergence stage is the best option for small scale farmers, while applying all at planting is the best alternative under large scale maize farming where mechanization is available.

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