INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ON YIELD OF MAIZE

The field experiment "Maize yield of maize as affected by nitrogen and phosphorus" was conducted during summer 2017, at Agronomy Research Farms, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements having four replications. The experiment consists of nitrogen levels as main plot factor i.e., (0, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha-1) and phosphorus levels as sub plot factor (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg P ha-1. The nitrogen level (200 kg ha-1) has significantly increased number of weeds (50), weeds dry weight (76 gm-2) and plant height (196cm). The application of nitrogen (200 kg ha-1) has delayed days to tasseling (60) and days to silking (65) days. Maximum ear weight (151 g), hundred grain weight (30 g) and grain yield (4236 kg ha-1) were recorded from treatment of 160 kg N ha-1. The gradual increased in phosphorus levels enhanced days to tasseling and silking. Early tasseling (53) days and silking (60) days were observed with application of 120 kg P ha-1 which was statistically similar to (55) days to tasseling and (60) days to silking with application of 90 kg P ha-1. Highest number of weeds (43), weeds dry weight (75 g m-2) and plant height (187cm) were recorded from treatments of 120 kg P ha-1. Maximum ear weight (143 g) and hundred grain weight (23 g) were produced by 120 kg P ha-1, which was statistically similar to (136 g) ear weight and hundred grains weight (23 g) with the application of 90 kg P ha-1. It is concluded that application of nitrogen (160 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (120 kg ha-1) has improved yield and yield components of maize crop.