Phenotypic and Nutritional Divergence of Maize Varieties with Varying Nitrogen Regimes under Rainfed Conditions of Rawalakot

Abstract

Nitrogen plays significant role in enhancing the production and quality of maize (Zea mays L.). The maximum potential of maize production is attained by adopting improved varieties and appropriate nitrogen (N) fertilization. An experiment was conducted on phenotypic divergence of dual purpose maize under varying nitrogen regimes during 2022 at Chota Galla research farm University of Poonch Rawalakot. Treatments comprised of three maize varieties (Islamabad gold, SGS-2002 and Kashmir gold), four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha^-1). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement. The statistical analysis demonstrated that highest plant height (271 cm), leaf area (3894.7 cm²), thousand grain weight (286 g), biological yield (16888 kg ha^-1), grain yield (4930 kg ha^-1), crude protein (14.7 %) and ash content (9.8 %), were recorded at 150 kg ha^-1 for SGS-2002 variety. The nitrogen fertilization exhibited prominent results in terms of agronomic and quality traits of maize. Therefore, it is recommended to apply N @ 150 kg N ha^-1 and SGS-2002 variety for obtaining maximum yield and better quality attributes of dual purpose maize under rainfed conditions of Rawalakot.