Effect of nutrient management on growth and yield of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Instruction Farm, Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during 2010 and 2011 under partially irrigated condition to find out the effect of nitrogen levels and its scheduling on productivity of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) with and without sulphur application. The field trial was laid out in factorial RBD with three replications. Results revealed that increasing nitrogen levels of 125, 150 and 175 kg N/ha significantly increased the plant height and dry matter accumulation of quality protein maize (QPM). Application of 175 and 150 kg/ha increased the plant height at harvest by 7.66 and 4.92% over 125 kg N/ha. Application of N in four splits also had a significant effect on plant height and dry matter accumulation. The significant improvement in production of QPM in terms of grain, stover and biological yield was observed by applying nitrogen in four equal splits in ratio of 25 : 25 : 25 : 25 at basal, 4-6 leaf emergence, knee high and 50% tasseling stages, respectively, over recommended three splits (33.3 : 33.3 : 33.3) of nitrogen application at sowing, knee high and 50% tasseling stages. Thus, it was concluded that to obtain maximum net returns of Rs. 46941, 50921 and B : C ratio 2.51, 2.73 from single cross hybrid 'HQPM 1' nitrogen should be applied in four splits in ratio of 25 : 25 : 25 : 25 at basal, 4-6 leaf emergence, knee high and tassel emergence stages.