Effect of different levels of nitrogen fertiliZer on the Grain yield of maize

Abstract

A downy mildew resistant variety of maize (Zea mays) adapted to Kabba environmental condition was grown under rainfed condition in 1997 and 1998 seasons with five different levels  of N fertilizer (0. 120 150. 180 and 210/kg/N/ha^-1). Application of 120kgN/ha^-1 fertilizers produced an average grain yield of 2329. 9 7/kg/ha^-1. This was an increase in yield of 63.52% over the control. An additional increase of 30kgN/ha^-1 increased the grain yield by 38.39%. A further additional increase of another 30kgN/ha^-1 increased the grain yield by 7.89% while the last 30kgN/ha^-1 could only increase the grain yield by 2.97%. These increases in yield were associated with prolific/actors longer cobs and Larger grains of the fertilizer treated plants. In short this variety of maize responded very well to diffirent levels N fertilizer and thus the overall grain yield was significant

Keywords: N-fertilizer levels, maize, grain yield

Tanzania J. Agric. Sc.(2002) Vol 5. No 2, 103-107