Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Yield, Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake on Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most versatile emerging crops having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Nitrogen though an expensive input is very important as it is intimately involved in the process of photosynthesis and directly reflected in the total dry matter production. Phosphorus is involved in a wide range of plant processes from permitting cell division to the development of a good root system and for ensuring timely and uniform ripening of the crop. Potassium plays a vital role as macronutrient in plant growth and sustainable crop production. The current study aimed to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on yield, quality, nutrient content and uptake on hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) under south Gujarat condition. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2019-20 to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on yield, quality, nutrient content and uptake by hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). In this experiment twelve treatment combinations consisting of three levels of nitrogen fertilizer, two levels of phosphorus fertilizer and two levels of potassium fertilizer were tried in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The protein content and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content and their uptake by seed and stover and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium status in the soil after harvest of the crop were determined by different methods. Result: The result showed that quality parameter viz., crude protein content, crude protein yield, nutrient content and uptake by grain and straw of hybrid maize were increased with the increased in nitrogen (180 kg N ha-1), phosphorus (60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and potassium (30 kg K2O ha-1) level.