Productivity and Economics of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) under different Fertilizer Doses in the Inner Terai Region of Nepal

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) varieties differ in their response to nutrient supply. Optimum fertilizer dose is necessary to explore the yield potential of a variety. A field experiment was conducted at Rampur,
Chitwan, during winter season of 2012/13 and 2013/14 to study the productivity of hybrid maize RML-32 X RML-17 to different level of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Treatment factors included two levels of potash (40 and 60 kg K O ha-1) and phosphorus (60 and 90 kg P O ha-1) and 2 2 5 four levels of nitrogen (120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N ha-1). Number of ears m-2, kernel rows ear-1, kernels
row-1, grain and stover yield ha-1 were increased with increased nitrogen levels. Increased phosphorus doses significantly decreased days to 50% tasselling and silking. Soil analysis results indicated that increased N and P doses had increased available N, P and soil organic matter, but decreased soil pH. The highest mean grain yield of 9.35 t ha-1 was obtained when 200 kg N ha-1 applied with 60:40 P O :K O kg ha-1. Application of 200:60:40 kg N: P O K O ha-1 gave the highest net 2 5 2 2 5 : 2 returns of Rs 1,34,696 ha-1 with the highest benefit cost ratio of 1.9. Farmers of Chitwan are suggested to apply 200:60:40 N:P O :K O kg ha-1 for grain production of hybrid maize RML-32 × 2 5 2 RML-17.