Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Moisture Stress under Different Nitrogen Fertilization Levels

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted at Farm of Sids Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, during 2013 and 2014 seasons to study the effect of different irrigation regimes (I1 = 100 %, I2 = 85 % and I3 = 70 % from irrigation requirements) and nitrogen levels (90, 120 and 150 kg N fed-1) on maize growth, yield and its yield attributes and some crop-water relationships. The most important results could be summarized as follows:Irrigated maize plants with full irrigation produced higher values of plant height, ear diameter, 100- grain weight, weight of grains ear-1 and grain yield as well as total amount of irrigation water applied, seasonal consumptive use and the net income. Irrigated maize plants with 80 % from irrigation requirements gave the highest values of water use efficiency and utilization efficiency.Supplied maize plants with 150 kg N fed-1 induced highest values of the abovementioned growth, yield and its attributes and net income as well as improve seasonal consumptive use, water use efficiency and utilization efficiency.Irrigated maize plants with full irrigation requirements and supplied with 150 kg N fed-1 produced highest yield and net income of maize plants.