30. Phenology and yield response of different maize varieties to split nitrogen application under climatic conditions of Peshawar

Abstract

Nitrogen losses are much higher particularly in the form of leaching and volatilization when applied to plants. Therefore, efficient techniques are required to lessen the losses of nitrogen. To study the response of different maize varieties to split nitrogen application under climatic conditions of Peshawar, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar during summer 2016. The study was conducted in randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangements with four replications. Four split nitrogen applications i.e. 180 kg ha^-1 before sowing, 90 kg ha^-1 before sowing + 90 kg ha^-1 at knee height stage, 60 kg ha^-1 before sowing + 60 kg ha^-1 at knee height stage, + 60 kg ha^-1 before tasseling stage, 45 kg ha^-1 before sowing + 45 kg ha^-1 at knee height stage + 45 kg ha^-1 before tasseling stage + 45 kg ha^-1 before silking stage were assigned to main plots. The varieties i.e. Pahari, Azam, Jalal and Iqbal were assigned to sub plots. Experimental results exhibited that application of nitrogen in three split 60 kg ha^-1 before sowing, + 60 kg ha^-1 at knee height stage, + 60 kg ha^-1 before tasseling stage has delayed days to tasseling, silking and physiological maturity of maize crop and showed maximum grains row^-1 and grain yield. Among various varieties, Azam has produced maximum grains row^-1and grain yield. It is concluded that nitrogen applied in three splits (60 kg ha^-1 before sowing + 60 kg ha^-1 at knee height stage + 60 kg ha^-1 before tasseling stage) has prolonged the vegetative growth which resulted in higher yield and and Azam variety of maize crop also produced maximum grain yield. Nitrogen application @ 180 kg ha^-1 in three splits is recommended on the basis of highest grain yield. Variety Azam ranked 1^st in term of grain yield among studied varieties and recommended for general cultivation in Peshawar valley.

Keywords: Azam; Iqbal; Maize; Nitrogen, Pahari; Phenology; Split; Varieties

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.70083