Evaluation of Fertility Level in Different QPM Varieties in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate performance of quality protein maize varieties under prevailing agroclimatic conditions and to assess efficacy of chemical fertilizers on QPM growth and production. The treatment consisted combinations of four QPM varieties (“Pratap QPM hybrid-1”, “Vivek QPM-9”, “HQPM-1” and “HQPM-5”) and four fertility levels (90 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1, 110 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1, 130 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha-1). These 16 combinations were evaluated under factorial randomized block design with four replications. N and P content of grain and stover was significantly higher under 150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over 130 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly N, P and K uptake were significantly higher under 150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha-1over 130 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1.