Quantifying the impact of nitrogen levels on spring maize varieties (Zea mays L.) in Kanchanpur, Nepal

Abstract

Maize has tremendous potential for increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. A crucial obstacle to maximizing yield the suitable maize variety with appropriate nitrogen (N) doses. The current two-factorial research carried out in the farmer's field at Kanchanpur, Nepal, aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of N on the growth and yield of spring maize varieties. Conducted from February to July 2022, the experiment design was randomized complete block with two factors; where hybrid varieties Bioseed 9220 and Arun-2 were the first factors and four different levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha-1) were the second factors. Results showed that 180 kg N ha-1 and Bioseed 9220 treatment produced significantly higher plant height, kernel row-1, kernel row cob-1, cob plant-1, and thousand-grain weight as compared to other doses and Arun-2, respectively. Similarly, Bioseed 9220 and 180 kg N ha-1 treatment had significantly longer days for tasseling and silking. The grain yield of Bioseed 9220 (5.48 t ha-1) was significantly greater than Arun-2 (4.15 t ha-1) and the N level of 180 kg ha-1 had a higher yield (5.11 t ha-1) compared to 120 kg ha-1 (4.8 t ha-1), 60 kg ha-1 (4.78 t ha-1) and least in 0 kg ha-1 (4.56 t ha-1). The result indicates that Bioseed 9220 performs better than Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Arun-2 in growth and yield attributes. N enrichment also boosts yield and yield-attributing characteristics. Bioseed 9220 with 180 kg N ha-1 should be prioritized among farmers to increase the productivity and yield of maize.