Effects of Variable Nitrogen Source and Rate on Leaf Area Index and Total Dry Matter Accumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Calcareous So

Authors : Shahen SHAH, Zahir SHAH, Shad Khan KHALAIL, Amanullah JAN, Muhammad Tariq JAN, Muhammad AFZAL, Habib AKBAR, Hamayoon KHAN, Khalid NAWAB, Fida MUHAMMAD

Pages : 276-284

Doi:10.17557/tjfc.90307

View : 21 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2014-02-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Leaf area index insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(LAI); and total dry matter are important growth and yield-determining factors in maize insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Zea mays L.);. Field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different N-fertilizer sources [urea, calcium ammonium nitrate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CAN); and ammonium sulphate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(AS);] and rates insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1); on mean single leaf area insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MSLA);, number of leaves plant-1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(NLPP);, LAI and total dry matter insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TDM); of maize genotypes “Local cultivars insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Azam and Jalal); vs. hybrid insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Pioneer-3025);”. The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar during summer 2008-10. The results indicated that all the experimental plots treated with N produced higher MSLA, NLPP, LAI and TDM than control insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(N not applied);. The MSLA, NLPP, LAI and TDM increased with higher N rates insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(150 and 200 kg N ha1);. Application of CAN and AS produced higher MSLA, NLPP, LAI and TDM than urea in the 1st year, but no significant differences were observed in the 2nd year. The hybrid insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P-3025); produced higher MSLA, NLPP, LAI and TDM than Azam and Jalal. The increase in MSLA and NLPP showed positive relationship with LAI. The TDM increased with increase in LAI. Application of N either as CAN or AS at the rate of 200 kg ha-1 was recommended for the high yielding hybrid maize but 150 kg N ha-1 was most suitable for the low yielding local cultivars in the study area
Keywords : maize, Zea mays L, genotypes, N levels, N source, leaf area index, total dry matter