Effects of Varied Nitrogen Fertilization Rates on Yield and Growth parameters of Hybrid Maize under agro-climatic conditions of Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Abstract

Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrients influencing the growth, development, and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen fertilization rates on the growth and yield performance of hybrid maize under the agro-climatic conditions of Nangarhar, Afghanistan. The experimental treatments consisted of four nitrogen fertilization rates; 0, 130, 160 kg and 190 kg N ha⁻¹, Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in form of Urea (46%N) in three split application ¼ dose at sowing, ½ at knee high stage and ¼ at tasseling stage. The experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed that the application of 190 kg N ha⁻¹, produced significantly higher values than the other treatments for plant height (244 cm), stem diameter (9.92 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.83), cob length (22 cm), number of grain per cob (455), grain weight per cob (133.17 g), 1000-grain weight (300 g), biological yield (808 g), fresh cob yield (8.33 kg), fresh net grain yield per cob (153.17 g). The lowest values were recorded under the control treatment (0 kg N ha⁻¹) across all plant growth and yield parameters. Therefore, this article recommends 190 kg N ha⁻¹ for farmers in the region and in similar climatic regions to achieve good maize growth and high yields.