INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON THE RUPTURE FORCE OF MAIZE KERNELS

Nitrogen fertilization affects maize yield as well as the physical and mechanical properties of the kernel and kernel breakage susceptibility. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fertilization treatments on the magnitude of the rupture force that causes maize kernel breakage. The research was conducted on the kernels of one maize hybrid that was grown under 8 treatments of nitrogen fertilization. The results showed that round kernels were more sensitive to breakage than flat kernels. The average force required to break flat kernels ranged from 609.6 N to 995.3 N, and for round kernels from 209.7 N to 269.9 N. As the amount of added nitrogen increased, the force required to break the grains increased. Statistical analysis of the obtained results showed no significant difference in the rupture force between fertilization treatments, both for flat and round kernels. Considering the obtained results, it would be necessary to use more hybrids in such studies, to carry out studies at different grain moisture contents and in addition, to study the interaction between hybrids, nitrogen fertilization and the influence of weather conditions during the growing period on the breakage of maize kernels.