Abstract:
An experiment was conducted during 2010-11 at Research Farms (31°N, 73°E and 184.4m above sea level) of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to assess the effect of variable nitrogen rates and timing schemes on growth, yield, nitrogen uptake and economic feasibility of maize production in RCBD with three replications. Application of entire N at seed bed preparation was found to be least effective. Delaying more than 25% of N late up to the V9 stage proved significantly better with respect to all the parameters but the complete exclusion of basal N could not provide the promising results. Nitrogen application @ 200 kg/ha though brought significantly higher leaf area index (3.67), grain yield (6.85 t/ha) and total N uptake (173.86 kg/ha) but could not significantly affect stover yield over 175 kg/ha. Nitrogen @ 175 kg/ha had higher residual effect on soil N status and also when applied following the timing scheme comprising split application, 25% broadcast-incorporated at seed bed preparation and remaining 75% top dressed at V9 growth stage, 175 kg N/ha provided higher value cost ratio (12.17 Rs. Rs.-1). It is concluded that split application of 175 kg N/ha (25% broadcast-incorporated at planting and 75% top dressed at V9) could be appropriate to attain higher and economical maize production.
Page(s):
77-89
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 52, Issue: 1, Year: 2014