Production potential and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by crop establishment methods and N levels in semi-arid region of Afghanistan

摘要

A field experiment conducted during Kharif (April-August) season of 2015 to assess the Production potential and economics of maize (Zea mays) as affected by crop establishment methods and N levels at (ANASTU), Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University, Kandahar, Afghanistan. The experiment comprised of 12 treatments combinations viz., 3-planting methods; (ridge, line and broadcasting) methods in main plots and four nitrogen levels (0, 120, 160 and 200 kg N/ha) in sub plots.The treatment was set in a split-plot design with three replications. The results revealed that crop establishment methods had non-significant affect on yield attributes (number of cobs /plant, cob length, cob diameter, cob girth, number of rows /cob, number of grains / row) but relatively higher number of cobs/plant (1.74), cob length (16.76 cm), cob diameter (3.86 cm), cob girth (12.67 cm), number of rows/cob (13.4), number of grains/row (28.3) were recorded in ridge planting, and significantly morenumber of grains/cob (390.55) and 1000-grain weight (272.56 g) were observed in ridge planting method. Significantly higher grain yield (6.30 t/ha), stalk yield (14.15 t/ha) and harvest index (30.49) were obtained in maize crop sown on ridges. In case ofN levels, the values were recorded higher where 200 kg N/ha was applied and these yield attributes contributed for significantly higher grain yield, stalk yield, biological yield and harvest index with application of 200 kg N/ha compared to the rest ofN levels.