Productivity and economics of quality protein maize (Zea mays) as influenced by nitrogen levels, its scheduling and sulphur application
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59797/ija.v58i3.4196Keywords:
Nitrogen levels, Nitrogen scheduling, Quality protein maize, SulphurAbstract
A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 at Udaipur to ascertain suitable nitro- gen level (125, 150 and 175 kg N/ha), appropriate schedule of nitrogen application (3, 4 and 5 splits) with and without sulphur (control and 40 kg S/ha) for quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in soils having medium fertility sta- tus. Results pooled over two years indicated that dry matter accumulation recorded under 175 kg N/ha was signifi- cantly higher over 150 and 125 kg N/ha at successive growth stages, while crop growth rate increased signifi- cantly upto 150 kg N/ha. Application of 175 kg N/ha significantly increased yield attributing parameters conse- quently yield and nutrient uptake, N status of soil and proved economically profitable to 150 and 125 kg N/ha. Staggering of nitrogen application in 4 equal splits as 25% at sowing + 25% at 46 leaf stage + 25% at knee high stage + 25% at 50% tasseling stages showed marked improvement in growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient up- take, N status of soil and proved economically beneficial compared to recommended 3 splits of nitrogen applica- tion. Application of 40 kg S/ha affirmed potential role in enhancing productivity of quality protein maize and also proved economically profitable compared to control.References
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