Rotational Crop Sequences and N Fertilization Levels Effect on Maize Growth and Productivity

2014 Alexandria Science Exchange Journal An International Quarterly Journal of Science Agricultural Environments  
Two field experiments were conducted during the period from 2009/2010 winter season to 2013 summer season to investigate the response of maize (cv. Giza 10) to twelve preceding crop sequences, differing in legumes to non-legumes ratios and terminal crop, under 252, 288 and 324 kg N/ha. Maize traits, i.e. plant height, ear leaf area, leaf area index, ear grain weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield/ha, responded significantly to crop sequences. They were increased with increase of legumes
more » ... nt in crop sequence and proximity of legume crop to maize. The 100 % legume sequence gave the maximum values for such traits whereas the least values resulted from crop sequence containing legumes of 40 % and terminated with wheat. Differences between N levels, regarding plant height, ear leaf area, leaf area index, ear grain weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield/ha, were significant, indicating the superiority of 324 kg N/ha compared to 252 and 288 kg N/ha. The interaction effect of both crop sequences and N application levels was significant for plant height, ear grain weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield/ha in both seasons, where the highest values of these traits were obtained from 100 % legume sequences and application of 324 kg N/ha. The regression analysis, in both seasons revealed that the linear effect was significant, while the quadratic effect was insignificant regarding number of grains/ear, 100-grain weight and grain yield/ha. That implies the possibility of increasing N level up to 324 kg N/ha to attain maize characters of higher values.
doi:10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2014.2590 fatcat:ox2cppnhcrdcveojzy46zkybga