Maize (Zea mays L.) response to subsoil compaction and nitrogen fertilization under semi-arid irrigated conditions

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to access the optimal N dose and its impact on growth, yield and yield attributes of hybrid maize (Zea mays. L) under subsoil compaction condition. The experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the summer seasons of the year 2012 and 2013. The experiment comprised three subsoil compaction treatments in main plots and three nitrogen levels in sub plots following split-plot design with three replications. Plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation were negatively affected by subsoil compaction. However nitrogen fertilization mitigates the negative effect of subsoil compaction on growth of maize. Cob length was recorded lower with higher cob barrenness under higher degree of subsoil compaction. The grain yield was reduced by 13-16 per cent and biomass yield by 10-17 per cent due to subsoil compaction. The total N uptake was 14.6 and 18.2 per cent higher under C0 treatment than that in highly compacted subsoil (C2), while N2 treatment had improved the total N uptake by 18.6 and 14.9 per cent as compared to N0 treatment during the year 2012 and 2013, respectively. The results revealed that N1 fertilization level can be recommended under subsurface compacted soils as compared to N0 and N2 rates. This study further suggests the management option should be explored in addition to deep tillage to maximize yield of maize.