MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NITROGEN FOR DIFFERENT MAIZE VARIETIES

Field trial to evaluate the response of different maize varieties to organic and inorganic nitrogen was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Agricultural University Peshawar during summer 2010. The experiment was consisted of eleven nitrogen treatments (Control, Nitrogen alone, FYM alone, Poultry manure alone, Green manure alone, 50% N (Urea) + 50% FYM, 50% N (Urea) + 50% PM, 50 % N (Urea) + 50% GM, 50% PM + 50% FYM, 50% PM + 50% GM and 50% GM + 50 % FYM) and two maize varieties (Azam and Jalal). Nitrogen treatments (N) were kept in the sub plots whereas varieties treatment (V) was allotted to the main plots. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having four replications. The results revealed that varieties and nitrogen treatment significantly affected all parameters under study. Interactions between N x V were remained non significant for all parameters. Application of mineral N with organic manure in combination resulted in increased yield and yield components. Application of half Mineral N and half PM produced higher plant height, higher ear length, grain ear-1, thousand grain weight, grain yield and biological yield of maize. Cultivars influenced yield and yield components of maize and higher maximum plant height, grains ear-1, ear length, thousand grain weight, grain yield and biological yield was produced by Jalal variety. It was concluded that Organic and inorganic N application in combination Jalal cultivar resulted in higher yield and yield components of maize and hence recommend for higher productivity.