Effect of seed rates and row spacings on the fodder yield of maize under different sowing dates.

摘要

A field study was conducted for 3 consecutive years in a loamy sand soil during kharif 2004-2006 at Ludhiana, Punjab, India, to determine the effects of seed rates and row spacing on the fodder yield of maize (Zea mays) under different sowing dates (early - 3rd week of April, recommended - end of June, and late - first week of September). The seed rates were 75, 100 and 125 kg/ha and the three row spacings were 22.5, 30.0 cm and broadcasting. The results showed that crops sown in end of June gave 62.1 and 97.7% higher green fodder yield over early and late sown crop, respectively. The green fodder and dry matter yield of maize increased significantly with increase in seed rates from 75 kg/ha (recommended) to 125 kg/ha during all the three years. The green fodder yield increased by 23.9 and 21.7%, and the dry matter yield increased by 24.7 and 22.7% with 22.5 and 30 cm sown crops over crop sown by broadcasting (217 q/ha green fodder and 47.2 q/ha dry matter), respectively.