Effect of different nitrogen levels, plant population and soil nutrient status on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) in different ecological zones of Nigeria

Abstract

Field studies on the effect of nitrogen levels, plant population and soil nutrient status on maize yield and yield components at eight different sites representing six different ecological maize growing zones of Nigeria conducted during 1976, 1977 and 1978 indicated that N significantly influenced yield at six of the eight sites, NIFOR, Umudike and Uyo (rain forest zone), Mokwa and Samaru (Savanna zone) and Riyom (derived savanna zone). Optimum N required for maize varies between 50 and 100 kgN in the different zones. There was no response to spacing except at Umudike, Uyo and Riyom, and no significant interaction between N and spacing at any location.