Nitrogen and sulphur nutrition for enhancing the growth and yield of quality protein maize (QPM)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2014-15 at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati to find out the response of quality protein maize hybrid (HQPM-1) to various N and S levels. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen levels (60, 120, 180, 240 kg N ha-1) in combination with three sulphur levels (15, 30, 45 kg S ha-1). The results of the experiment revealed that among the four nitrogen levels, application of 240 kg N ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (185.6 cm), leaf area index (2.64), dry matter production (10903 kg ha-1), grain yield (5101 kg ha-1) and stover yield (5569 kg ha-1) followed by 180, 120 and 60 kg N ha-1. Similarly, application of 45 kg S ha-1 resulted in significantly more plant height (162.9 cm), leaf area index (1.87), dry matter production (8117 kg ha-1), grain yield (3679 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4029 kg ha-1) followed by lower levels of sulphur. Hence N and S can be applied at the rate of 240 kg ha-1 and 45 kg ha-1, respectively to obtain higher yield.