Effect of diverse use of nitrogen sources on grain yield, harvest index, nitrogen-use efficiency and phenological development of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

-1 , S 1: Urea (50%) + poultry manure (50%), S 2: Urea (50%) + farm yard manure (50%), S3: Urea (50%) + pressmud of sugarcane manure (50%), S 4: Urea (50%) + compost (50%), S 5: Urea (50%) + (poultry manure + farmyard manure + pressmud of sugarcane + Compost) 50%. Significant results of grain yield (t ha -1 ), harvest index (%), nitrogen use efficiency (%), number of days taken to tassel, number of days taken to silk, and number of days taken to mature was obtained. Conclusively, hybrid maize H 1 (Pioneer 30Y87) performed best during 2008 as compared to 2009 at nitrogen sources S 1: Urea (50%) + poultry manure (50%). Overall, it was concluded that hybrid maize H 1 (Pioneer - 30Y87) produced better grain yield (6.14 t ha -1 ) during 2008 when nitrogen sources S 1: Urea (50%) + Poultry manure (50%), was applied in combination as compared to grain yield (6.0 t ha -1 ) in hybrid H 2 (Pioneer - 31R88) during 2009. Growth and quality attributes also performed better in 2008 as compared to 2009 at nitrogen sources S 1: Urea (50%) + poultry manure (50%).