Nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of quality protein maize (qpm)

Response of quality protein maize hybrid (HQPM-1) to various N and P levels was studied at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2012. Trail with four nitrogen levels (0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1), four phosphorus levels (0, 60, 80 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) was laid out in randomized block design in three replications with a plot size of 6m × 5m at spacing of 60 × 20 cm. Results showed that each incremental effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly increased the yield (grain and stover) of HQPM-1 over control. Among four levels of nitrogen, application of 240 kg N ha-1 gave maximum plant height (212.75 cm), LAI (3.89), dry matter production (13432 kg ha-1), cob length (17.50 cm), grain yield (6383 kg ha-1), protein content (11.35 %), net returns (46954 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.97) followed by 180, 120 kg N ha-1and control. Similarly, out of four levels of phosphorus highest dose i.e. 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in taller plants (185.95 cm), high LAI (3.17), dry matter production (10572 kg ha-1), cob length (16.25 cm), grain yield (5010 kg ha-1), protein content (11.06 %) net returns (30996 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.22) followed by lower levels of phosphorus. Hence, QPM obtained good results at 240 kg N ha-1 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1.