Productivity and economics of quality protein maize (Zea mays) as influenced by nitrogen levels, its scheduling and sulphur application Chaudhary Roshan1, Subject Matter Specialist, Singh D.1,*, Professor, Nepalia V.1, Professor Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001 1Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur *Corresponding author Email: dilipagron@gmail.com
Online published on 25 September, 2013. Abstract A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 at Udaipur to ascertain suitable nitrogen level (125, 150 and 175 kg N/ha), appropriate schedule of nitrogen application (3, 4 and 5 splits) with and without sulphur (control and 40 kg S/ha) for quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in soils having medium fertility status. Results pooled over two years indicated that dry matter accumulation recorded under 175 kg N/ha was significantly higher over 150 and 125 kg N/ha at successive growth stages, while crop growth rate increased significantly upto 150 kg N/ha. Application of 175 kg N/ha significantly increased yield attributing parameters consequently yield and nutrient uptake, N status of soil and proved economically profitable to 150 and 125 kg N/ha. Staggering of nitrogen application in 4 equal splits as 25% at sowing + 25% at 4–6 leaf stage + 25% at knee high stage + 25% at 50% tasseling stages showed marked improvement in growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake, N status of soil and proved economically beneficial compared to recommended 3 splits of nitrogen application. Application of 40 kg S/ha affirmed potential role in enhancing productivity of quality protein maize and also proved economically profitable compared to control. Top Keywords Nitrogen levels, Nitrogen scheduling, Quality protein maize, Sulphur. Top |