Response of Maize (Zea Mays L.) To Different Nitrogen Levels and Plant Population on Economic Yield in Swabi Region

Abstract

Field experiment was laid out to study the effect of nitrogen levels and plant population on maize. Maximum leaf area plant^-1 (2757 cm²), leaf area index (2.16), grains ear^-1 (548), thousand grain weight (258 g) and grain yield (2673 kg ha^-1) were recorded with application of 210 kg nitrogen ha^-1 which was statistically similar to 180 and 150 kg nitrogen ha^-1. Higher biological yield (7189 kg ha^-1) was recorded from 150 kg nitrogen ha^-1 which was similar to 210 kg nitrogen ha^-1. Maximum number of leaves plant^-1 (10.45) was recorded for plant population of 80000 plants ha^-1. Higher leaf area plant^-1 (2585 cm²) and leaf area index (2.59) were recorded for 65000 plants ha^-1 which was statistically at par with 80000 plants ha^-1. Higher grains ear^-1 (515) and thousand grain weight (252 g) were recorded from 65000 plants ha^-1 which was similar to 80000 plants ha^-1. Plant population of 95000 plants ha^-1 produced maximum biological yield (7276 kg ha^-1) while plant population of 80000 plants ha^-1 produced maximum grain yield (2551 kg ha^-1) and harvest index (35.95%). It is concluded from the study that application of 150 kg nitrogen ha^-1 produced maximum grain yield and plant population of 80000 plants ha^-1 produced higher grain yield.