ARJASR

ISSN: 2360-7874

 Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research
 

Vol. 7(7), pp. 577-588, November 2019
DOI: 10.14662/ARJASR2019.245
Copy©right 2019
Author(s) retain the copyright of this article
ISSN: 2360-7874
http://www.academicresearchjournals.org/ARJASR/Index.htm
 

Research

Effect of Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Grain Yield of Late Maturing Maize Hybrid BH661

Begizew Golla¹, Muhidin Biya² , Lemi Yadessa³

^1,3 Bako National Maize Research Center; ² Jimma Agricultural Research Center

*Corresponding Author, Begizew Golla, Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research, Bako National Maize Research Center, Phone No. 251-912876351,

Email begizew06@gmail.com.

Accepted 27 November 2019

The yield potential of maize continuously shifted with modification of plant density and nitrogen level because of high mobile nature of available nitrogen and continues releasing of new hybrid with high nitrogen requirements. Thus modification of these factors to optimum level significantly increases the grain yield of the crop. Based on this concept, a field experiment was conducted at four locations for three consecutive years (2016-2018) to determine the optimum plant density and nitrogen level for late maturing maize hybrid. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Four plant density viz., 44444, 53333, 62500 and 66666 with five nitrogen levels viz. 69, 92, 115, 138 and 161 kg ha^-1 were combined by factorial combinations and tested in the experimental plots to select the optimum level for high yield. The result indicated that increasing in plant density produced tall plants with weak stalk strength ultimately resulted high lodging under highest plant density. The maximum grain yield (7838.1kilo gram per hectare) obtained under optimum plant density (53333 plants per hectare with application of 115 kilo gram nitrogen per hectare). This result showed 29% and 24.4% yield advantages compared to the standard check and satellite check respectively. Similarly application of 115 kg N /ha under 53333 plant densities was the most profitable compared to other combinations. Thus the previous recommended plant density, 44444 plants/ ha with application of 92 kg N /ha   is insufficient for hybrid BH661 cultivation. Slightly higher plant density and nitrogen level, 53333 plants per hectare with application of 115 kg N ha^-1 are suitable for the high yield of hybrid maize BH-661 during main seasons.

Keywords: BH-661, Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate, Plant Density, Grain Yield

How to cite this article (APA Style): Begizew G., Muhidin B., Lemi Y (2019). Effect of Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Grain Yield of Late Maturing Maize Hybrid BH661. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 7(7): 577-588