The Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Quality of Forage Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

In this study the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on growth, forage yield and quality of fodder maize was studied. The variety used was Giza 2. Nitrogen was applied at the rates of (0, 40 and 80 kg N ha-1), while phosphorus levels were (0, 50 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1). Parameters studied were plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter and Leaf Area Index (LAI). Moreover days to 50% tasseling, dry matter yield, crude protein and crude fiber contents were studied. Results showed that addition of nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased plant height, stem diameter and LAI. Phosphorus fertilization has no significant effect on the growth attributes. Application of nitrogen allowed the crop to reach 50% tasseling earlier. Phosphorus on the other hand has no effect on days to 50% tasseling. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the forage dry matter yield. In contrast phosphorus has no effect on the dry matter yield. Nitrogen was significantly increased the protein content of forage maize, on the other hand phosphorus has no effect on the crude protein content. Neither nitrogen nor phosphorus has a significant effect on the crude fiber content.