Abstract:
Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with zinc application significantly augmented the yield components of maize as compared to inorganic fertilizer alone. The uses of inorganic fertilizers are very expensive, which require appropriate management to acquire economic and sustainable crop yield. Agro-management practices for boosting yield and quality of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) were studied at the Agronomic Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during 2010 and 2011. The experiment comprised of two zinc levels i.e. control (no zinc application) and zinc (as zinc sulphate) at the rate of 15 kg per ha; two intercropping levels i.e. maize alone and maize + 2 rows of green gram and four nitrogen levels i.e. control (no nitrogen application), 150, 200 and 250 kg N per ha. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-split plot arrangement each with three replications. Data on different growth and yield parameters of maize were recorded using standard procedures and analyzed by appropriate statistical techniques. The maximum grain rows per cob (16.10), grains per cob (524) grain weight per cob (67 g) 1000-grain weight (301 g), grain yield (6.89 t per ha), oil contents (4.46%) were observed in plots where Zn and N were applied at 15 and 250 kg per ha, respectively with 2 rows of green gram in 2010. Similar trend was recorded during 2011. Data predicted that application of zinc along with nitrogen enhanced the yield of hybrid maize. Moreover different rates of nitrogen and intercropping of green gram was useful in not only reducing reliance upon nitrogen fertilizer but also helped in reducing the net costs.
Page(s):
70-76
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, Volume: 11, Issue: 1, Year: 2013