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Effects of Row Distance and Nitrogen Rate on Canopy Efficiency and Yield of Maize

Sabbir Ahmed
Farming Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

Momtaz Begum Shima
Farming Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

Nilufar Yasmin
Farming Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

Abu Mohammad Shahidul Alam
Farming Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

Mohammad Robiul Islam
Farming Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer and plant spacing are important agronomic practices to increase canopy efficiency and yield of maize. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Experimental Field, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, using a commonly cultivated hybrid maize variety (cv. ACI - 3110) during the period November 2015 to March 2016. The experiment consisted with three different row distances (S₁, 85 cm; S₂, 75 cm and S₃, 65 cm) and three nitrogen fertilizer (urea) rates (550 kg urea or 100% of conventional rate, 413 kg urea or 75% of conventional rate and 275 kg urea or 50% of conventional rate).The experiment was laid out in a split plot experimental design with three replications placing plant spacing in the main plots and nitrogen fertilizer in the sub plots. Except experimental treatments, standard agronomic practices were maintained for all plots. The results indicated that dense row distance (65 cm) can effectively increase canopy cover. At 60 days after sowing (DAS), maximum canopy cover (57.07%) was derived from 65 cm row distance which was 7.06% and 8.65% higher than 75 cm and 85 cm row distance respectively. At 120 days after sowing, maximum canopy cover (82.04%) was also obtained from 65 cm row distance and it was 14.63% and 36.12% higher than 75 cm and 85 cm row distance respectively. Different yield components and yield (5.47 t/ha) was found highest with conventional fertilizer rate (550 kg/ha). From our observation it can be suggested that 65 cm row spacing with 550 kg urea would be the best practice for maximizing canopy efficiency and maize productivity in the experimental area.

Keywords: Radiation absorption, Planting density, Canopy development, Maize

Location: Agronomy Experimental Field, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University of Rajshahi

Start Date: 10-11-2015

End Date: 31-03-2016

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Maize, Fertilizer

Objectives:

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of row distance and nitrogen rate on canopy efficiency and yield of maize.

Methodology:

Study area- The present research was conducted at the Agronomy Experimental Field, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University of Rajshahi during the period from 10 November 2015 to 31 March 2016 to study on the effects of row distance and nitrogen fertilizer (urea) levels on canopy efficiency and yield of maize (cv. ACI- 3110).Geographically the experimental field is located at 24°22’36” N latitude and 88°38’27” E longitude at an average altitude of 71 ft. above sea level. The land of the experimental field was flat, well drained and above flood level (Medium high land). The soil was sandy loam textured having pH value of 8.1. Experimental treatments- The experiment consists of three row distances (S₁ = 85 cm, S₂ = 75 cm and S₃ = 65 cm) and three nitrogen fertilizer rates (N₁ = 550 kg urea/ha, N₂ = 413 kg urea/ha and N₃ = 275 kg urea/ha). Three row distances and three nitrogen fertilizer rates are combined into nine treatments and those were replicated three times in a split plot experimental design placing row distance in the main plot and fertilizer rates in the sub plot. Each plot occupied area of 16 m² (4 m× 4 m) and 1.5 m gap within the sub plot and 2 m gap within the main plots were maintained. Fertilizer management- Except urea, other nutrient elements were used as general dose with triple super phosphate - 200 kg ha^-1, muriate of potash - 140 kg ha^-1, zinc sulphate- 13 kg ha^-1, boric acid - 7 kg ha^-1, gypsum - 160 kg ha^-1. All the fertilizers along with one third of urea were applied at the time of final land preparation. The remaining urea was divided in two equal splits and applied at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Crop growth and yield components determination- Crop growth parameters were measured from randomly selected tagged plants. Five plants were randomly selected and uprooted from each unit plot for recording data on growth parameters i.e. plant height, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM) and crop growth rate (CGR).Yield contributing characters such as, cob length (cm), number of grains cob^-1, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (t ha^-1), stover yield (tha^-1), biological yield (t ha^-1) and harvest index (%) were also recorded during harvest. At maturity, the experimental crops were harvested plot-wise at 10 April, 2017. The harvested crops from each plot were bundled separately, tagged and brought to clean threshing floor. The same procedure was followed for sample plant (10 plants from each plot). Measurement of canopy efficiency- Canopy efficiency was measured at mid-day at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing according to Mullen and Reynolds (2010). Images of canopy shades were captured plot wise using a digital camera and then Adobe Photoshop CS₃ software was used to calculate canopy efficiency using following formula: Canopy Efficiency (%) = (pixels of shaded area/pixels of whole captured area) × 100. Data management and statistical analysis- The collected data were analyzed statistically following the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique and the mean differences were adjudged with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) using the statistical computer package program, MSTAT-C.

Source of Information: International Journal of Biosciences | IJB |, Vol. 12, No. 1, p. 126-135, 2018

Article Link (Online Journal): http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/12.1.126-135

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It is concluded from the found result that, 65 cm row distance showed 5.35 t/ha yield and maximum radiation use efficiency. It utilizes the maximum of space and nutrient. Application of 550 urea/ha resulted in maximum yield of biomass and radiation use efficiency. Sowing of maize in 65 cm row distance and 550 kg urea/ha produced highest grain yield and most efficient radiation use efficiency.

Knowledge Management: Journal