Performance of irrigated winter maize under different nitrogen levels applied by soil and leaves

This study aimed to evaluate, under field conditions, the effect of nitrogen in agronomic characteristics and yield of maize under center pivot irrigation. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks and in factorial scheme 4 x 2, with four replications. Treatments consisted of combination four levels of nitrogen (0, 90, 180 and 3 6 0 kg ha(-1)) by leaves or by conventional coverage, divided at 25 and 49 days after sowing. The N (in both forms) affected the number of kernels per row and per ear, 1000 grain mass and grain yield in maize. The greatest values of yield were obtained with estimated rate of 300 kg ha(-1) in the conventional application of N and 3 6 2 kg ha(-1) leaves application. The rate of 90 kg ha(-1) N, applied through leaves or cover, was that provided the greatest financial return for cultivation.