effect of nitrogen application through different combinations of urea and farm yard manure on the...

EFFECT OF NITROGEN APPLICATION THROUGH DIFFERENTCOMBINATIONS OF UREA AND FARM YARD MANURE ON

THE PERFORMANCE OF SPRING MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

By

ATTA ULLAH MOHSIN2005-ag-10

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THEREQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE (HONS)

INAGRONOMY

FACULTY OF AGRICULTUREUNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,

FAISALABAD2007

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I do not have command to praise the Almighty Allah whose blessings are Abundant and

who is our benefactor and whose favours are unlimited. I Offer my humble gratitude

from the core of my heart to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be up on him) who is

forever a torch of guidance and knowledge for the whole mankind.

I extend sincere thanks to my kind supervisor Dr. Muhammad Asghar Malik Professor

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for his substantial

guidance, continuous inspiration and invaluable assistance in bringing this dissertation

to its present form.

I am greatly thankful to member of my supervisory committee, Dr. Asghar Ali Professor

and Chairman, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and Dr.

Atta Muhammad Ranjha professor Institute of Soil and Environmental Science,

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for their valuable suggestions, constructive

criticism and encouragement throughout my research endvour.

Special thanks are also due to Mr. Haroon Zaman Khan, Lecturer, Department of

Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. During the period of these studies for

their cooperation as well as for providing me guidance to complete these studies.

My special love is due to the innocent prayers of all my sweet sisters and lovely young

brother Rahmat Ullah, whose inspiration and best wishes always accompanied me.

I also pay my special gratitude to all my ever best and loving friends, Zia Ullah Zia,

Shahid Kooria, Rao Muhammad Ikram, Rana Jamshaid Ali, Rana Amir, Arshad

Ghazlani, Mahar Sohail, Javaid Bosan, Hafiz Shahbaz, M. Arif, Ali Khosa, M. Hanif,

Bahram Khan, Sajid Fareed, Asim Lodhi, Farooq Chandia, Hafiz Khalil, Zeeshan

Khuram Whose inspiration and best wishes always accompanied me.

Last but not least, I express my deepest gratitude to my Affectionate Parents who

bestowed on me more than what I can ever pray. They always prayed in Day’s Light and

night’s calm for my glorious success and academic excellence.

Atta Ullah Mohsin

This my little effort is dedicated To My

Loving Parents & Sweet Sisters

Whose prayers always accompanied me in the

journey of My life

&

To My Friends

Without whom encouragement, inspiration and

moral support, it would never been completed.

Contents

Chapter Title Page

1 Introduction 1

2 Review of Literature 5

3 Material and Methods 29

4 Results and Discussion 36

5 Summary 59

6 Literature Cited 61

7 Appendices 74

8 Meteorological Data 85

LIST OF TABLES

No. TITLE PAGE

1 Chemical analysis of soil 36

2 Chemical analysis of FYM 36

3Plant height at harvest (cm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

38

4Plant population at harvest (m-2) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

40

5Average number of cobs per plant of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

42

6Cob length (cm) of maize as affected by different combinations ofurea and farm yard manure.

44

7Cob weight (g) of maize as affected by different combinations ofurea and farm yard manure.

46

8Number of grain rows per cob of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

48

9Number of grains per row of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

50

10Grain weight cob-1 (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

52

11 1000-grain weight (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

54

12Grain yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

56

13Biological yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

58

LIST OF APPENDICES

NO. TITLE PAGE

1Plant height at harvest (cm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

74

2Plant population at harvest (m-2) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

75

3Average number of cobs per plant of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

76

4Cob length (cm) of maize as affected by different combinations ofurea and farm yard manure.

77

5Cob weight (g) of maize as affected by different combinations ofurea and farm yard manure.

78

6Number of grain rows per cob of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

79

7Number of grains per row of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

80

8Grain weight cob-1 (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

81

91000-grain weight (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

82

10Grain yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by different combinationsof urea and farm yard manure.

83

11Biological yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure.

84

The Controller of examinations,University of Agriculture,Faisalabad.

“We, the Supervisory Committee, certify that the contents of thesis submitted by Mr.

ATTA ULLAH MOHSIN Regd. No. 2005-ag-10 have been found satisfactory and

recommend that it be processed for evaluation by the External Examiner (s) for the award of

degree”.

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE:

Chairman :(Dr. M. Asghar Malik)

Member :(Dr. Asghar Ali)

Member :(Dr. Atta Muhammad Ranjha)

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Maize is currently widely planted crop in most countries of the

world and is the third most important grain crop (after wheat and rice) in

Pakistan. It is grown twice a year in the country (spring and autumn). It is

not only a source of food, feed but also utilized as a commercial crop to

manufacture products like corn oil, corn starch and tanning material for

leather industry. Its grain contains 72% starch, 10% protein, 4.5% fiber,

3% sugar, 4.8% oil and 1.7% ash (Chudhary, 1993).

Although much efforts have been made to improve its production by

adopting different agro-techniques and crop breeding programs, yet the

yield ha -1 is far below the level of potential yield of our present varieties.

Among yield determining factors, soil fertility is of prime

importance. Soils of Pakistan being located in the zone of arid climate are

suffering from a serious problem of nutrient and organic matter

deficiency. Therefore, most often their deficiency in soil results in low

crop yield.

Before the advent of chemical fertilizers, farmers mostly relied on

organic matter as the sole source to promote health and productivity of the

soil. Later on, the era of chemical fertilizers started and farmers left the

use of organic matter because chemical fertilizers were an effective

substitute as a ready source of nutrients. The integrated use of organic

sources of nutrients not only supply essential nutrients but also has some

positive interaction with chemical fertilizers to increase their efficiency

and thereby reduce environmental hazards (Ahmad et al ., 1996)

Chemical fertilizers being crucial input for improving soil fertility

have become an important component of advanced crop production

technology.

Integrated use of chemical fertilizers and organic material may be a

good approach for sustainable production of crops. This may improve the

efficiency of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce their use. Integrated use

of organic matter and chemical fertilizers is beneficial in improving crop

yield, soil pH, organic carbon and available N, P and K in sandy loam soil

(Rautaray et al ., 2003). Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

can improve crop productivity and sustain soil health and fertility

(Satyanarayana et al ., 2002). Combined application of inorganic and

organic fertilizer is also reported to decrease soil bulk density, increased

soil moisture, soil fertility, growth of maize, yield and promote maize

grain quality (Rong et al ., 2001).

Most of the farmers are using nitrogen alone and do not bother about

the application of other macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients, which are

helpful in increasing crop productivity and improving quality of produce.

Organic sources ameliorate the micro-nutrient deficiencies. It has been

suggested that humic acid present in organic matter increase the

permeability of cell membrane, which results in increased uptake of water

and nutrient elements (Cheng, 1997). The water holding capacity of very

sandy soils is increased with heavy manure application and structure and

tilth of heavy textured soils are also improved. Soil productivity can be

increased by utilization of mineral fertilizers as well as organic material

(Azad and Yousaf, 1982).

Organic farming may be one of the solution to increase maize

production. Organic farming reduces cost of production and makes the

best use of local resources i .e. dung, urine, crop residues etc. The use of

organic matter as a low cost supplement to the artificial fertilizers may

help decreasing the cost of production. There is also a positive interaction

between the combination of organic manures and urea nitrogen (Bocchi

and Tano, 1994).

The use of organic matter is not a complete substitute to

chemical fertilizer but infact, i t is an added dimension to organic farming

and can play a vital role in optimizing the best soil use, crop management

and conservation.

Keeping this in view the present studies were undertaken to

determine the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under integrated use of

organic manure and nitrogenous fertilizer (urea).

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The relevant research work done on the various aspects of the

project is reviewed as under:

Hussain and Ibrahim (1974) studied the effect of varying doses of

dhaincha (S. aculeate) in combination with 200 Ibs of N per acre either as

ammonium sulphate or as urea on the nitrifying activity of the soil and dry

matter yield of wheat increased significantly as the amount of green

manure increased as compared to ammonium sulphate or urea applied

singly.

Latkovics (1977) observed that phosphorous alone or with FYM had litt le

effect, application of nitrogen increased yield markedly and showed interaction

with FYM.

Formoli and Prasad (1979) studied the effect of FYM (0 and 15 t ha -

1) on soil grown with rice-wheat crops. They observed that FYM increased

the organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorous and potassium in

the soil.

Kadiu (1983) reported that optimum fertilizer application for fodder

maize was 50 t FYM + 60 kg N + 80 kg P ha -1 which gave a fresh matter

yield of 24.07 t ha - 1 compared with 8.22 t ha -1 with no fertilizer.

Mathers and Stewart (1983) found that FYM increased the hydraulic

conductivity, decreased the bulk density and at the same time higher rates

of FYM also increased the N level in soil and yield of crop.

Krishnasamy et al . (1984) observed from field trials that maize crop

when given 10 or 15 t FYM and /or 40-120 kg P2O5 per ha gave the

highest grain yield of 2.13 t/ha with 15 t organic matter + 80-kg P2O5 per

ha as compared with 1.16 t without organic manure or P. Soil available P

was significantly increased only with 15 t organic manure + 120 kg P 2O5

per ha.

Vesho (1984) in Albania applied 30 tones organic manure ha -1 and

30 tones organic manure ha -1 in combination with 70 kg N, 50 kg P and 20

kg K ha -1 to maize crop. Grain yield of maize ranged from 2.44 t ha -1 with

no fertilizer to 3.23 t ha -1 with organic manure, and to 7.87 tones at

highest rates of organic and chemical fertilizers.

Sharma and Saxena. (1985) in a field experiment studied maize

response to crop residues, organic manures and fertilizers P considering

the role of capacity, intensity and rate of release parameters of P

availability in soil. Incorporation of poultry manure, caster cake or FYM

into the soil increased maize yield besides improving soil indices. A

significant increase in P up take by maize grain was observed in FYM

treated soil followed by caster cake and poultry manure. Addition of

fertilizer P significantly increased the grain yield and P utilization by

maize was 23.9 kg P2O5 per ha.

Sharif (1985) carried out studies at NIAB and reported that super

phosphate mixed with FYM in 1:2 ratios increased the efficiency of super

phosphate (P uptake) by 32.4%.

Ceausu et al . (1986) in long term field experiment applied 200-60-

150 Kg NPK ha -1+60 t FYM ha -1 to wheat/maize soybean/wheat/maize

rotations .Maize grain yield ranged from 2.08 and 2.39 t ha -1 without

fertilizers to 6.44 and 7.33 t ha -1 with 100 kg urea and 100 kg urea +40 t

FYMha -1 , respectively.

Machado et al. (1986) conducted an experiment to study the effect of

different sources and levels of fertilizer on the germination and growth of

maize. Fertilizer sources were urea and nitrophos and the fertilizer levels

used were 200-100-100 kg NPK ha -1 , 250-125-125 kg NPK ha -1 and 300-

150-150 kg NPK ha -1 and showed that there was no significant effect of

the treatments on germination and crop stand, but the other crop growth

parameters were significantly increased with the increase in fertilizers.

Salim et al . (1986) studied the synergistic effect of organic manure and

mineral fertil izer and observed that nitrogen and phosphorous content of wheat

were highly affected. The highest ni trogen and phosphorous content were

recorded where 25% N as FYM and 75% as urea was applied. When higher

doses of FYM were applied alone less nitrogen was available due to its low

mineralization rate.

Gopalaswamy and Vidhyasekaram (1987) studied the effect of

various green leaves manures and N fertilizers on grain yield of rice crop

and on soil fertility status. It was found by (assessing the dehydrogenase

activities) that green leaf manures and urea were equally effective in

increasing soil microbial activity indicating a higher fertility status.

Ali (1990) conducted a trial with maize variety “Akbar” and reported

that maximum plant height, fresh biomass and dry matter yield was obtained by

FYM applied @ 18 t ha -1 in the presence of NPK under normal soils. He further

reported that N and P uptake increased by increasing the dose of FYM and no

significant effect on K uptake.

Inshin and Vishnyakova (1991) reported that optimum fertilizer rate

for maize crop was 120-120-120 kg NPK ha -1 . Higher NPK rates did not

significantly increase the yield but increased nutrient uptake and contents

in plant. FYM application caused excessive nitrate accumulation.

Khanday and Thakur (1991) in field trials applied 40, 80 or 120 kg N

ha -1 , 0,10 or 20 t FYM ha -1 and 0 or 125 kg ZnSO4 ha -1 and observed that

grain yield of maize increased with 80 kg N, 20 t FYM and 25 kg Zn ha -1 .

Jokela (1992) conducted an experiment to study the effect of

nitrogen fertilizer and dairy manure on corn yield and soil nitrate. He

concluded that yield and nitrogen uptake was increased by N fertilizer and

manure. Without manure, grain and straw yields were increased by N

fertilizer at 112 kg ha -1 in all years. With organic N fertilizer application

corn yield did not increased significantly.

Nakashgir (1992) studied maize response to applied 0 or 20 kg K 2O

ha -1 , 20 or 60 kg N ha -1 and 0-15 t FYM ha -1 . He reported that 20 kg K2O

ha -1 resulted in increased grain yield and straw yield, N and K uptake and

N and K contents as compared with no K2O application. He further

concluded that effect of K2O application on maize yield; N and K uptake

and water use efficiency were increased when FYM at 15 t ha -1 in

combinations was applied.

Blaga et al. (1993) grew maize and oat by applying 40 t FYM ha -1 or

15 t poultry manure ha -1 alone or in combinations with 100-60-120 kg

NPK ha -1 , 100-60 kg NP ha -1 , 100-60-40 kg NPK ha -1 , 200-120-80 kg NPK

ha -1 or 300-180-120 kg NPK ha -1 . Maize grain yield ranged from 0.26 t

ha -1 with no fertilizer to 6.85 t ha -1 at the top NPK rate. They concluded

that application of manures increased yield than control though not equal

to that of the increase BY the combined application of manures and

inorganic fertilizers.

Sidhu and Sur. (1993) reported that uncomposted material + 25%

recommended nitrogen fertilizer also increased plant height (5.6%), fresh

biomass (10.6%), grain weight per cob (7.3%), cob weight (25%), grain

yield (77.7%), cob length (10.1%) and 1000 grain weight (16.4%) as

compared with control. Similarly, uncomposted material + 25%

recommended nitrogen fertilizer also enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus,

potassium concentration and uptake in straw and grains in maize cultivar

over control. The increase in the above mentioned parameters was due to

25% chemical nitrogen fertilizer and not much due to uncomposted

material because uncomposted material had wider C:N ratio

(immobilization) and less nutrients available as compared to enriched

composted treatments.

Sekhon and Aggarwal (1994) studied the effect of organic manures

on maize/wheat sequence in a long term experiment. Three manure

treatments: untreated, well rotted FYM and cowpea green manuring was

compared with three rates of N fertilizer i.e. 0, 75 and 125 kg ha -1 as

urea. They found that in wheat crop, boot stage, spike formation, anthesis

and maturity, and grain filling period were not affected by any of the

treatments, whereas grain yield in wheat was highest after application of

FYM.

Yadvindere et al. (1994) conducted a field experiment in 1989-93 at

Ludhiana on a loamy sand soil treated with 0, 150 or 180 kg urea per ha,

green manure (Sesbania aculeate) + urea (adjusted to 150 kg N per ha),

FYM + urea (adjusted to 150 kg N per ha) or GM + FYM prior to

transplanting of rice cv. P-108 seedlings; wheat cv. Hd-2329 was sown

when rice had been harvested. Grain and straw yield were greatest with

GM + FYM. Nitrogen uptake was greatest with 150 kg N per ha and GM +

FYM. Fertilizer use efficiency was highest with GM + FYM. Wheat yield

showed no residual effect from any of the treatments in the first 2 years

but in the 3 rd and 4 t h , years GM + FYM produced significantly higher

grain yield than urea treatments. Soil organic carbon and available P and

K contents were significantly higher in grain yields than urea treatments.

Soil organic carbon and available P and K contents were significantly

increased by FYM + urea and GM + FYM.

Singh and Singh (1994) studied the effect of residue (straw)

incorporation and fertilizer application on the amount of available N and P

on the rate of mineralization under land farming conditions in India. They

observed that maximum values of available nitrogen were obtained in the

soil for fertilizer treated plots followed in decreasing order by straw plus

fertilizer > straw > control plots. Available P increased from 26 to 69 % in

straw plus fertilizer treated plots.

Mineralization rate was maximum in straw plus fertilizer treated plots.

Nizami and Salim (1996) reported that greater soil moisture was

conserved and nutrient increased in soil, manured with 10 t FYM ha -1

followed by FYM + chemical fertilizer (N: P = 50:55) and least with

chemical fertilizer alone. They further observed that maximum grain yield

was obtained with 5 t FYM + chemical fertilizer followed by 10 t FYM.

Ailincai et al .(1997) studied the effect of 0-100 kg N + 0-100 kg

P2O5 + 0-60 t farmyard manure ha -1 on maize and wheat and reported that

grain yields ranged from 3.16 t ha -1 with no fertilizer to 6.37 t ha -1 at the

top fertilizer rates (100-100 kg NP ha -1). Over the period grain yield

increases were 54-104% in wheat and 37-78% in maize with NP and 79-

137% in wheat and 64-102% in maize with NP + FYM.

Bado et al . (1997) compared the long term effects of the use of

mineral fertilizers, organic manure, and a mix of organic and inorganic

(organomineral) fertilizers for Oxisol soil growing maize over an 11 year

period in Burkina Faso. They found that greater yields were obtained

using the organomineral fertilizers than with the

only inorganic fertilizers. Manure increased soil organic matter contents

as compared to the only mineral fertilizers, which also had the effect of

increasing soil acidity and levels of exchangeable aluminum.

Singh et al . (1997) planted maize alone or intercropped with black

gram (Vigna mungo L.) fertilized @ 0-10 t FYM ha -1 and 0, 30 or 60 kg N

ha -1 . Yield of both crops were highest with application of 10 t FYM + 60

kg N ha -1 .

Salim et al. (1997) concluded from green house and laboratory

studies that micro-organism in combinations with NPK, green manure and

FYM have positive response for wheat yield.

Suri et al . (1997) evaluated the role of FYM in chemical NPK

economy in maize/wheat sequence, treatments comprised of three rates of

N (25, 50 and 100% of recommended doses of 90 kg N + 45 kg P + 30 kg

K ha -1 for maize) with FYM (maize only) 10 t ha -1 dry weight. Three

additional treatments were 100% N, 100% NP and 100% NPK followed by

100% N + FYM. The highest maize grain yield was recorded with 100%

NPK followed by 100% NP + FYM. It was suggested that K application

can be omitted in maize if FYM is applied.

Vanlauwe et al . (1997) found that interactions between organic

inputs and urea resulting in added benefits from their mixed rather than

sole application. Maize in the mixed treatments, receiving 45 kg ha -1 urea

N and 45 kg ha -1 N as organic inputs, produced 1.6 and 3.7 Mg ha -1 grain

in Se´kou and Glidji, respectively. Based on the yields from sole

application of either organic inputs or urea, added benefits from the

mixture were 0.49 Mg ha -1 grain in Se´kou and 0.58 Mg ha -1 in Glidji.

These benefits were generated during grain filling, which was

characterized by drought, and they were likely caused by improved soil

water conditions with mixed applications compared with sole applications.

Nitrogen recovery from urea was higher in the combined treatments (44%

in Se´kou and 32% in Glidji) relative to the sole urea treatments (22% in

Se´kou and 15% in Glidji). Positive interactions between organic inputs

and urea occurred at two of four sites and were likely caused by improved

soil water conditions after applying organic inputs. Organic inputs

alleviated, constraints to crop growth other than N depletion and, as such,

improved the use efficiency of N fertilizer.

Balik and Olfs (1998) raised maize crop by giving 120 kg N ha -1 .

50 t FYM ha -1 or 50 t pig slurry ha -1 with a control given no fertilizer.

They concluded that there were no clear ef fects of any of the treatments

on the yield.

Chaudry et al . (1998) reported that plant height, fresh biomass, and

NPK contents of maize gave significant highervalues, when nitrogen and

FYM were integrated as compared to the alone application of the two

sources of nutrients.

Mushtaq et al . (1998) concluded that maize root-shoot growth and

nutrient uptake was significantly increased by the application of organic

and inorganic fertilizers. The highest yield and nutrient uptake was

observed when organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied in

combination.

Singh et al . (1998) conducted a field trial to study different

combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers compared for a rotation

of maize cv. Suwan (grown in June-October) and wheat cv. Sonalika

(November-March). Mean maize yield ranged from 410 kg/ha in

unfertilized controls to 2448 kg from 100% recommended PK + 75%

recommended N + 25% N as FYM; recommended fertilizer rates for both

maize and wheat were 100:22:21 kg NPK. Mean wheat yield ranged from

781 kg ha -1 in controls to 3124 kg from 100% of recommended NPK. Over

the whole cropping system, energy use efficiency was highest when maize

was given 100% PK + 75% N + 25% N as FYM.

Tripathi and Acharya (1998) conducted study to develop a suitable

crop rotation and utilized crop residues for maintaining soil fertility in

maize-based cropping systems, and to determine the effects of organic and

inorganic fertilizers on crop yields and soil properties. Ten different

combinations of maize-based cropping system and organic and inorganic

fertilizers with or without crop residues were compared. Application of

34.54 t FYM ha -1 (equivalent to 120 kg N ha -1) produced the highest maize

grain yield of 2.85 t ha -1 . Application of balanced chemical fertilizer

alone (120:60:40 kg N: P2O5:K2O ha -1) adversely affected maize grain

and stover yields and gave the lowest yield of 0.24 and 1.18 t ha -1 ,

respectively. The residual effects of manure plus crop residues applied to

maize increased finger millet yield.

Zamfir and Zamfir (1998) observed the effect of organic and mineral

fertilizer on yield and silage quality of maize grown in rotation and

reported that application of FYM at 50 t ha -1 after every four years

increased whole crop air dry matter yield. When maize was placed in

rotation, on the first 2 years after FYM application, N fertilizer was not

necessary whereas application of nitrogen fertilizer increased proportion

of ear in the yield.

Zhang et al . (1998) compared the variable rates of N from cattle manure

with N from urea. They reported that plant height, number of grains per cob,

cob girth, grain rows per cob, number of cobs per plant, grain yield (7210-

12177 kg ha -1) and N uptake were increased by increasing N fertilizer rate and

manure application. They further concluded that precise application of manure

to maize crop can be as effective as commercial N fertilizer for yield response

and can pose little threat to ground water quality.

Balik et al. (1999) evaluated the effect of different rates and forms

of N fertilizers on yield of maize, N content in plant biomass and N uptake

of above ground biomass in a long-term experiment with continuously

grown maize. Five treatments, no fertilizers, two with mineral fertilizers

(ammonium sulphate (SA) or urea ammonium nitrate solution (DAM),

DAM + straw and FYM) were compared. Fertilizers were applied at an

annual rate of 120 kg N ha -1 and the mean equivalent rate for the manure

was 187 kg N ha -1 . The longer the duration of the experiment, the greater

was reduction in biomass yield in the treatment with out fertilizers. In

1991-95, there was an average maize yield of 12.02 t dry matter and in

1996-98, 10.09 t ha -1 . In 1996-98, the yield difference was 23 %

between no fertilizer and SA, 26 % between no fertilizer and DAM, 34 %

between no fertilizer and straw treatment and 52 % between no fertilizer

and FYM.

Chung et al . (2000) reported that compost plus an adequate amount

of chemical N fertilizer could produce higher dry matter yield and N

accumulation than the conventional chemical N fertilizer treatment.

Jadhav et al. (2000) stated that incorporation of 25% N as farmyard

manure was also found to increase sugar cane yield and its yield

attributes, there by reducing 25% N fertilizer dose.

Khaliq et al . (2000) studied the effect of farmyard manure and

poultry manure along with urea on two corn hybrids (pioneer 3062 and

pioneer 3012). The two hybrids differed significantly in number of cobs

per plant, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. On the other hand, harvest

index remained unaffected by treatments. Hybrid pioneer 3062 performed

better with respect to all parameters, except number of grains per cob.

Combined use of poultry manure and urea performed the best among all

treatments.

Seo-Jong Ho (2000) reported that soil O.M. act as sink and source of

nutrients in the soil system because it has high nutrient holding capacity.

It also act as large pool for the storage of N., S., and P. and has the

capacity to supply these and other nutrients for plant growth. The

physiological benefits of O.M. include improved soil structure, increased

aeration, reduced bulk density, increased water holding capacity, enhanced

soil aggregation and reduced soil erosion.

Shah and Arif (2000) conducted an experiment on maize cv. Azam to

study the effect of application of 0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha -1 FYM with 0, 60 and

90 kg N ha -1 . They reported that yield and yield traits were significantly

affected by FYM and inorganic N. Maximum plant height of 178 and 170

cm was obtained by applying the highest rate of FYM and N. Number of

cob/100 plants, number of grains per cob and 1000-grain weight were

significantly affected by FYM. Maximum stalk and grain yield (8918 and

5910 kg ha -1) were obtained with the highest levels of FYM and inorganic

N.

Guggari and Kalaghatagi (2001) investigated the effect of FYM at 2.5

and 5.0 t ha -1 and nitrogen at 20 and 40 kg ha -1 applied alone or in

combinations on pearl millet. They observed that application of FYM and

nitrogen alone and in combinations increased the fodder yield. Among the

treatments 5 t ha -1 + 40 kg N ha -1 and 2.5 t FYM ha -1 + 40 kg N ha -1 were found

significantly superior than all other treatments.

Lopez et al . (2001) evaluated the main effect of organic fertilizers

on the physical and chemical properties of soil, and to select the best

organic fertilizer for maize cv. San Lorenzo. Four treatments consisting of

different rates of organic fertilizers were evaluated: 20, 30 and 40 t ha -1

compost and cattle and goat manure; 4, 8 and 12 t ha -1 poultry manure; and

a control using chemical fertilizer (120-40-00 NPK). The variables

evaluated were soil moisture, soil pH, organic matter, N and P, and grain

yield. Changes in soil chemical properties (organic matter, nitrogen and

phosphorus content) occurred. The treatment with chemical fertilizer

produced the highest grain yield (6.65 t ha -1) and compost treatment

showed significantly similar results (5.66 t ha -1).

Madejon et al . (2001) reported that the application of organic matter

with inorganic fertilizers significantly increased crop yield when

compared with inorganic fertilizers alone and control .At the end of the

experimental period, soil oxidable-C, total humic extract-C and humic

acid–C contents significantly increased in soil treated with O.M. Organic

matter also increased Kjeldhal-N contents of soil.

Muneshwar et al . (2001) concluded that combined application of

O.M. and inorganic N sustained the productivity even at lower level of N

application. Organic matter and the total N status declined with

application of N fert ilizer alone but increased with integrated use of N

fertilizer and O.M. They further concluded that use of FYM and green

manure increased the K and S availability in the soil. The Incorporation of

5 tones FYM and 6 tones GM saved 70-80 kg N ha -1 without any adverse

effect on productivity of rice-wheat system and the soil health.

Negassa et al . (2001) conducted an experiment to introduce the

culture of supplementing low rates of NP fertilizers with farmyard manure

(FYM) in the maize based farming system of western Oromia. The

treatments were 0-0, 20-20, 40-25 and 60-30 kg NP ha -1 and 0, 4, 8 and

12 t FYM ha -1 . The results showed that interactions of FYM and NP

fertilizers rates were significant at all locations except for Shoboka. The

application of FYM alone at rates of 4, 8 and 12 t ha -1 produced average

grain yields of 5.76, 5.61 and 5.93 t ha -1 , respectively as compared to 3.53

t ha -1 for control treatment

Rong et al . (2001) evaluated the effects of combined inorganic and

organic fertilizer application to red upland soil and determined its

reasonable application ratio. Results showed that 25 to 50% organic +50 to

75% chemical fertilizer application of combined inorganic and organic

fertilizer decreased soil bulk density, increased soil moisture, soil

fertility, growth of maize and maize yield, and promoted maize grain

quality.

Tolessa et al . (2001) studied the effect of enriched farm yard manure

(FYM) on grain yield of maize. Enrichment of conventional FYM was done

separately with 25% and 50% each of recommended nitrogen and phosphorous

fertilizers and their combinations from urea and di -ammonium phosphate

sources. They found that the growth and yield of maize were increased

significantly with the application of enriched FYM. Enriched FYM increased

grain yield by 40% as compared to conventional FYM. However, the residual

effect of enriched FYM was very marginal.

Bajpai et al . (2002) reported that the application of farmyard manure

and rice straw in rice significantly improved the available N and P status

of soil and indicated the possibility of saving 50% fertilizer N in rice and

25% in wheat

Brar et al . (2002) conducted a long term fertilizer experiment (1971-

2000) with maize-wheat-cowpea (fodder) cropping system. Different nutrient

combinations (NPK) with FYM were used to study their response on crops. All

crops showed marked response to NPK application and increase yield. At the

end of 29 cycles of crop rotation, soil organic carbon content increased

significantly in FYM treated plot , a marked increase in available N was

recorded. Fertilizer N use Efficiency of crop improved with balanced NPK

fertilizer and FYM.

Das et al . (2002) reported that greater yield, dry matter content,

nutrient uptake (N, P and K), plant height, leaf area, and fresh weight of

nodules in green gram (V. radiata cv.Sujata) were obtained with 100%

enriched compost compared to sole organic manure.

Pathak et al . (2002) Evaluated the efficacy of organic sources, i.e.

farmyard manure (FYM), rice (Oryza sativa) straw in organo-inorganic

combinations, in the maize (Z. mays)-wheat (T . aestivum) cropping

system. At the start of the experiment, the soil was loam in texture,

slightly acidic in reaction, and characterized by low organic carbon

content and medium status of available N, P and K. Growth parameters,

yield attributes, yield and economics of maize were optimum in the

substitution of 25% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through

FYM, while these parameters were optimum in wheat with 50%

substitution of RDF through FYM in maize + 100% RDF in wheat.

Equivalent yield of wheat for the whole system was highest with 50%

substitution of RDF through FYM in maize + 100% RDF in wheat,

followed by 25% RDF substitution through FYM in maize +75% RDF in

wheat over all the other treatments.

Rubapathi et al . (2002) reported that application of combined

sources of organic and inorganic nutrients in sorghum recorded higher

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake than the nutrient management

methods of sole organic and inorganic source of nutrients.

Selvi et al . (2002) conducted a long term fertilizer experiment on

finger millet-maize-cowpea (fodder) in sequence involving varying doses

of N, NP, NPK with FYM (finger millet) and Zn (maize). The results

indicated that there was a sharp decrease in DTPA-Zn and an increase in

Fe, Cu and Mn content of the surface soil after 25 years. After the

analysis, results showed that 100% NPK+FYM increased DTPA-Fe, Cu

and Mn contents.

Abu-Hussain et al . (2003) studied the effect of cattle and chicken

manure with or without mineral fertilizers on vegetative growth, chemical

composition and yield of the potato tubers. Five treatments were applied,

i.e. cattle manure, chicken manure, cattle manure plus chicken manure,

cattle manure plus mineral fertilizer and chicken manure plus mineral

fertilizer. Applying cattle manure combined with chicken manure

increased vegetative growth expressed as plant height and leaves and

stems fresh weight. Starch, N, P, and K percentage increased the leaves

and tubers by adding cattle manure combined with the chicken manure.

Highest total yield was obtained by using cattle manure combined

aggregates. The MWD of aggregates was related to the Cambridge College

Pakpattan content of soil under no-till but not in case of conventional

tillage.

Kwabiah et al . (2003) conducted a field experiment in western

Kenya to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on resin

extractable P availability and maize (Zea mays L.) yield. Leaf biomass and

small twigs of Tithonia diversifolia , Croton megalocarpus , Lantana

camara L., Senna spectabilis , Calliandra calothyrsus , and Sesbania

sesban , were applied at 5 Mg ha -1 (DW), supplying an estimated 9-15 kg P

ha -1 and 30-212 kg N ha -1 . The inorganic fertilizer was triple super

phosphate (TSP), urea and potassium chloride. Effects of Tithonia and

Croton on maize yield were similar to effects of 50 kg P ha+120 kg N ha

as inorganic fertilizer. The results indicate that improvements of

extractable soil P can come from either P released from organic inputs o r

increased availability of native soil P following addition of organic and

inorganic fertilizers.

Jayaprakash et al . (2003) evaluated the effect of organic and

inorganic fertilizers on the yield and yield attributes of maize under

irrigated condition. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of organics (no

organics, farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 tones ha -1 and vermicompost at 2 t

ha -1) and 5 levels of inorganic (100, 125, 150, 175 and 200% of the

recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), which is 150:75:37.5 kg NPK ha -1).

The grain yield of maize was significantly affected by the application of

organics. Significantly highest grain yield (6.747 t ha -1) was obtained with

the application of vermicompost at 2 tones ha -1 . Significantly higher straw

yield was obtained with organic treatment and application of 200% RDF

recorded significantly higher grain yield (6 .8 t ha -1) and higher Stover

yield of 10.31 t ha - 1 over 100% NPK (9.10 t ha -1). The increase in grain

yield was due to higher number of seed rows per cob, number of seeds per

row, cob length and test weight.

Nyamangara et al. (2003) Studied the effect of nitrogen fertilizer @

0, 60, 120 kg ha - 1 and cattle manure @ 0, 12.5 t ha - 1 in maize. The

interaction between manure and nitrogen fertilizer enhanced nitrogen

recovery. The highest nitrogen recovery was observed when manure was

combined with low rate of nitrogen (60kg ha -1) with average of 58% and

63% in the first and third season, respectively

Ghosh et al . (2004) evaluated the manural potential of three organic

manures: farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), phosphocompost

(PC) vis-à-vis 0%, 75% and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer-NPK to

find out the most productive cropping system at various combinations of

organic manures and chemical fertilizers. Application of 75% NPK in

combination with PM or FYM or PC to preceding rainy season crops

(soybean and sorghum) and 75% NPK to wheat produced significantly

higher grain yield of wheat than those in inorganic and control indicating

noticeable residual effect on the succeeding wheat crop and saving of 25%

fertilizer-NPK. The effect of PC on rainy season crops was not as

prominent as those of FYM and PM, but its residual effect on grain yield

of wheat was comparable to those two organic manures.

Sharif et al . (2004) studied the comparative efficiency of organic

and inorganic fertilizers applied alone or in combinations on the yield and

yield components of maize crop. Organic fertilizers humic acid at 200 g

ha -1 and farmyard manure (FYM) at 5000 kg ha -1 , while inorganic

fertilizers (NPK) at 120-90-60 kg ha - 1 were applied. They observed an

increase in grain yield, total dry matter, and 1000-grain weight by 72%,

25% and 28%, respectively over control upon application of humic acid

alone. Highest grain yield of 4140 kg ha -1 , total dry matter yield of 12710

kg ha -1 and 1000-grain weight of 250 g was obtained by the addition of

humic acid in combination with FYM and NPK. Optimum grain yield of

3900 kg ha -1 , total dry matter yield of 12710 kg ha -1 and 1000-grain yield

of 240 g were obtained by application of humic acid in combination with

NPK. They also reported a significant increase in grain yield, total dry

matter and 1000-grain weight over control, due to inorganic fertilizers

(NPK).

Liebman et al . (2004) conducted three year field experiment in

Boone Iowa, U.S.A, to determine how compost affects, the soil

characteristics and nutrient uptake, growth and seed production of maize.

The results showed that the field with 118 kg ha -1 nitrogen along with

compost gave more -organic matter, plant population and early season

nitrogen. It also increased maize height and leaf potash concentration as

compared to where 140 kg ha -1 nitrogen was applied only from synthetic

fertilizer.

Oad et al . (2004) observed that all maize plant parameters were

significantly affected with the incorporation of FYM and nitrogen levels. They

concluded that the inorganic nitrogen application was the common practice of

farmer, but if, FYM was supplemented with the inorganic nitrogen source there

may be significant increase in maize fodder yield.

Bayu et al. (2006) conducted an experiment to assess the effect of the

combined use of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and

yield of sorghum and on soil chemical properties in a semi -arid area in

northeastern Ethiopia. They reported that the combined application of farmyard

manure and inorganic fertilizers increased post -anthesis, plant height, number

of grains per cob, cob length, dry-matter production by 147%–390% and grain

yield of sorghum by 14%–36%. The main effects of farmyard manure and

inorganic fertilizers increased stover yield by 8%–21% and 14%–21%,

respectively. Farmyard manure application increased total nitrogen (N) uptake

by 21%–36%, grain protein yield by 8%–11%, and grain protein concentration

by 20%–29%. Application of farmyard manure along with 50% of the

recommended inorganic fertilizer rate resulted in a grain yield equivalent to, or

greater than that for 100% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate, thus

affecting a 50% savings of inorganic N and phosphorus (P) fertilizer.

CHAPTER 3

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study pertaining to the combined effect of organic manure and

fertilizer N on the growth and yield of maize hybrid Pioneer 32-W-86 was

carried out at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture,

Faisalabad. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block

design, with three replications, having a net plot size of 3.0 m x 6.0 m.

The experiment comprised of the following treatments:

N% (Urea) N% (FYM)

T1 = Control (no fertilizer)

T2 = 0 100

T3 = 25 75

T4 = 50 50

T5 = 75 25

T6 = 100 0

The crop was sown on a well prepared seedbed on the 16 t h of

February, 2006 on 75 cm spaced ridges, using a seed rate of 30 kg ha -1 ,

maintaining P x P distance of 15 cm. Plant to plant distance was achieved

through thinning the crop at 3 to 4 leaf stage.

Recommended dose of NPK @ 250:125:125 kg ha -1 was applied.

According to the treatments, full percentage of nitrogen obtained from

farmyard manure was applied at the time of sowing. Then the Amount of P

and K was calculated from the amount of farmyard applied and remaining

dose of P and K was fulfilled by using sources as single super phosphate

(SSP) and murate of potash (MOP). Full dose of phosphorous and potassium was

applied at the time of sowing and ½ N were applied at sowing time and

remaining half dose of N nitrogen obtained from urea was applied at knee

height stage. All the other agronomic practices except those under study

were kept normal and uniform for all the treatments. The crop was

harvested on June 22, 2006. The following observations were recorded

during course of study:

OBSERVATIONS

1. Plant height at harvest (cm)

2. Plant population at harvest (m -2)

3. Average number of cobs per plant

4. Cob length (cm)

5. Cob weight (g)

6. Number of grain rows per cob

7. Number of grains per row

8. Grain weight cob -1 (g)

9. 1000-grain weight (g)

10.Grain yield (kg ha -1)

11.Biological yield (kg ha -1)

PROCEDURE ADOPTED FOR RECORDING OBSERVATIONS

1. Plant height at maturity (cm)

Height of randomly selected ten plants at maturity from each plot

were measured with the help of meter rod from the first visible node above

ground to highest growing point and the average height per plant was

calculated.

2. Plant population at harvest (m -2)

The whole number of plants were counted from each plot at the time

of harvest and then plants m -2 was calculated by dividing the total number

of plants in the plot by the area of the plot.

3. Average number of cobs per plant

Ten plants were randomly selected from each plot and their cobs

were counted. The average numbers of cobs per plant were calculated by

dividing total number of cobs by the number of plants.

4. Cob length (cm)

Ten randomly selected cobs were taken from each plot and their

length was measured with the help of measuring tape and then averaged.

5. Cob weight (g)

Ten randomly selected cobs were taken from each plot and then

weighed. The average was calculated for each plot.

6. Number of grain rows per cob

Ten cobs were selected at random from each plot, the grain rows of

each cob were counted individually and average was worked out.

7. Number of grains per row

Ten cobs were selected at random from each plot, number of grains

per row was counted individually and then average was calculated.

8. Grain weight per cob (g)

The grain weight per cob was recorded by separating the grains from

the ten randomly selected cobs from each plot and then averaged

9. 1000-Grain Weight (g)

From the produce of ten randomly selected sun dried cobs, three

samples, each comprising of 1000-grains, were taken from each plot and

then weighed by using electrical digital balance. Average was computed

and weight of 1000-grains was recorded in grams in each treatment

separately.

10. Grain yield (kg ha -1)

Grain yield per plot was weighed in kg and then converted into kg

ha -1 .

11. Biological yield (kg ha -1)

When the crop was fully mature, it was harvested and sun

dried plot wise .The stalks along with cobs were weighed with the help of

spring balance to calculate biological yield per plot. The biological yield

per plot was then converted into kg ha -1 .

12. Statistical Analysis

Data collected was tabulated, analyzed statistically according to

Fisher’s Analysis of variance technique. Least s ignificant difference

(LSD) test at 5% probability was applied to test the significance of

treatment’s mean (Steel and Torrie , 1997).

13. Soil Analysis

The initial soil fertility was determined from the soil samples taken

to a depth of 0-15 cm with soil auger before sowing the crop. The soil

chemical analysis was performed in Soil Chemical Laboratory of Ayub

Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad and the test report obtained is

presented in the table 3.1.

14. Farmyard manure analysis

The chemical analysis of FYM was performed in the Institute of

Soil and Environmental Sciences laboratory, University of Agriculture ,

Faisalabad and the test report obtained is presented in the table 3.2.

LAYOUT

Design : RCBD

No. of Treatments : 6

No. of Replications : 3

Net plot size : 3.00 m x 6.00 m

MA

INW

AT

ER

CH

AN

NE

L

NON EXPERIMENTAL AREA

NO

N E

XP

ER

IME

NT

AL

AR

EA

T4 T6 T1 T2 T5 T3

R1

R2

NO

N E

XP

ER

IME

NT

AL

AR

EA

R3

NON EXPERIMENTAL AREASUB-WATER CHANNELNON EXPERIMENTAL AREA

T6 T3 T5 T1 T4 T2

NON EXPERIMENTAL AREAPATH

NON EXPERIMENTAL AREA

T5 T1 T2 T4 T3 T6

NON EXPERIMENTAL AREASUB-WATER CHANNEL

Table 3.1 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL

Determination Unit Value obtained

Organic matter % 0.63

Available P2O5 ppm 6.875

Available K2O ppm 225

Total Nitrogen % 0.03

Table 3.2 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FYM

Determination Unit Value obtained

Nitrogen % 0.875

Phosphorous (P2O5) % 0.26

Potassium (K2O) % 0.5

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

During the course of present studies, an experiment was conducted

to determine the performance of maize hybrid 32-W-86 under N

application using different combinations of urea and FYM.The data

pertaining to various growth and yield parameters along with statistical

analysis and interpretation are presented and discussed in this chapter:

4.1 PLANT HEIGHT AT HARVEST (cm)

Data pertaining to plant height (cm) at maturity presented in Table

4.1 indicate that the effect of treatments on the parameter under study was

significant. Among these treatments, T6 in which N source was 100%

through urea produced the tallest plants (211.3 cm) but was statistically

similar to T4 and T6 treatments producing plant height of207.4 cm and

205.8 cm, respectively. The minimum plant height (188.2 cm) was

recorded in T1 treatment, where no nitrogen was applied; it was however,

statistically at par with T2 . These results are supported by those of

Chaudhry et al . (1998), who reported that plant height, fresh biomass, and

NPK contents of maize

Table 4.1 Plant height at harvest (cm) of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure

A) ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE

Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 77.138 38.569 2.3459

Treatments 5 1077.596 215.519 13.1087**

Error 10 164.409 16.441

Total 17 1319.143

** = Highly significant

B) COMPARISON OF TREATMENTS MEANS

TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 188.2 d

T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % N from FYM 195.8 cd

T3 = 25 % N from urea + 75 % N from FYM 200.6 bc

T4 = 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM 205.8 ab

T5 = 75 % N from urea + 25 % N from FYM 207.4 ab

T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 211.3 aAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 8.510

gave significant values, when N and FYM were integrated as compared to

the alone application of the two sources of nutrients.

By observing the combined effect of FYM and artificial fertilizer, i t

was noted that recommended nitrogen fertilizer was found more effective

to increase the growth parameters like plant height and there was no

statistically difference in plant height within various treatments because

the mineral fertilizer alone and used in combinations with FYM gave the

same results regarding the plant height (Zhang et al, 1998).

4.2 PLANT POPULATION AT HARVEST (m -2)

The number of plants per unit area is also an important component of

yield. The more the number of plants the more will be the yield. The

results regarding the influence of various treatments on plant population

of maize presented in Table 4.2 show that there was no significant

difference in number of plants per m2 because the plant population was

maintained through thinning. The nutrients have no effect on the

germination of the seeds. These results are similar to the findings of

Machado et al. (1986), who reported that different sources and fertilizers

levels has no significant effect on the germination and crop stand.

Table 4.2 Plant population at harvest (m -2) of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 0.778 0.389 2.0588

Treatments 5 0.444 0.089 0.4706ns

Error 10 1.889 0.189

Total 17 3.111

ns = Non-significant


TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 7.00

T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % N from FYM 7.33


T4 = 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM 7.000


T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 7.333Any two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 8.510.

4.3 AVERAGE NUMBER OF COBS PER PLANT

Number of cobs per plant has great effect on the final grain yield of

maize. The data presented in Table 4.3 reflect the effect of various

proportions of organic manure and urea fertilizer on the number of cobs

per plant. Significantly more number (1.190) of cobs per plant was

recorded from plot fertilized with proportion of 50% from urea + 50%

from FYM (T4) which was statistically at par with T5 and T6 treatments;

whereas significantly less number of cobs per plant were recorded from

control plot (1.010). These results are accordance with Zhang et al .

(1998), who observed that the number of cobs increased with the increase

in the level of organic and inorganic fertilizer. The reason for such results

may be adequate supply of plant nutrients by the application of 50% N

from urea + 50% N from FYM, plants received large amount of nutrients

throughout their growth period and nourished properly which resulted in

maximum number of cobs per plant.

Table 4.3 Number of cobs per plant of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 0.003 0.002 0.5272

Treatments 5 0.063 0.013 4.3557*

Error 10 0.029 0.003

Total 17 0.094

* = Significant


TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 1.010 c



T4 = 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM 1.190 a


T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 1.140 abAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ signif icantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 0.09965

4.4 COB LENGTH (cm)

Cob length is one of the important factors to determine the yield of

maize. As the length of cob will be more, there will be more number of

grains per row and ultimately more grain yield per cob. It is evident from

Table 4.4 that treatments had statistically significant effect on the cob

length. Maximum cob length (18.57cm) was observed in treatment T4

where N was applied 50% from urea + 50% from FYM and was

statistically at par with treatments; T6 and T5 producing cob length of

17.73 cm and 17.60 cm respectively. Minimum cob length (14.13 cm) was

recorded in control plot, where no fertilizer was applied. It was however,

statistically at par with T2 and T3 treatments. These results are in line with

Bayu et al. (2006), who reported that application of farmyard manure along

with 50% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate resulted in increase

in cob length of maize

Table 4.4 Cob length (cm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 0.101 0.051 0.1156

Treatments 5 52.944 10.589 42.2186*

Error 10 4.372 0.437

Total 17 57.418

* = Significant


TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 14.13 b

T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % N from FYM 14.57 b



T5 = 75 % N from urea + 25 % N from FYM 17.60 a

T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 17.73 aAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty l evel

LSD value = 1.387

4.5 COB WEIGHT (g)

The results presented in Table 4.5 show that there was a significant

increase in cob weight with the application of different proportions of urea

fertilizer and FYM.

Maximum cob weight (216.4 g) was recorded in T4 , and was

statistically at par with treatments; T5 and T6 in which cob weight was

210.6 g and 210.1 g respectively. The minimum cob weight was obtained

in treatment T1 (189.9 g), where no fertilizer was applied. It was

statistically at par with T2 and T3 treatments. Sidhu and Sur. (1993) had

attributed significant increase in cob weight to the application of mineral

fertilizer + organic material in combinations . This might be due to the

better nutrient uptake and development of the plant and cob.

Table 4.5 Cob weight (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 22.990 11.495 0.6258

Treatments 5 2083.627 416.725 22.6871*

Error 10 183.684 18.368

Total 17 2290.300

* = Significant


TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 189.9 b




T5 = 75 % N from urea + 25 % N from FYM 210.6 a

T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 210.1 aAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 8.995

4.6 NUMBER OF GRAIN ROWS PER COB

The number of grain rows per cob is an other important yield

component of maize crop. More the number of grain rows per cob, more

will be the grain yield. The data regarding effect of nitrogen application

through different combinations of urea and farm yard manure on the

number of grain rows per cob presented in Table 4.6 revealed that average

number of grain rows per cob was significantly influenced by the

treatments under study.

The maximum number of grain rows per cob was obtained in T 4

(16.60), where N was applied 50% from urea + 50% from FYM. The

minimum number of grain rows per cob was recorded in T1 (14.53), where

no nitrogen was applied. These results are similar to the f indings of Zhang

et al . (1998), who reported that precise application of manure and mineral

fertilizer to maize crop can be as effective as commercial N fert ilizer for yield

response.

Table 4.6 Number of grain rows per cob of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 0.280 0.140 6.1765

Treatments 5 8.153 1.631 71.9411**

Error 10 0.227 0.023

Total 17 8.660



TREATMENTS MEANS


T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % N from FYM 15.07 c




T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 15.87 bAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 0.4037

4.7 NUMBER OF GRAINS PER ROW

The number of grains per row is an important yield component in

maize. Data in table 4.7 reveal that the treatmental effect on the parameter

under study was significant.

The comparison among the individual treatment means indicate that

treatment; T4 gave the highest number of grains/ row (33.37), where N was

applied 50% from urea + 50% from FYM. The minimum number of

grains/row was recorded in treatment T1 (27.70), where no fertilizer was

applied and was statistically at par with T2 treatment.

Table 4.7 Number of grains per row of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 5.141 2.571 2.4407

Treatments 5 51.431 10.286 9.7664*

Error 10 10.532 1.053

Total 17 67.104

* = Significant


TREATMENTS MEANS







LSD value = 2.154

4.8 GRAIN WEIGHT PER COB (g)

Grain weight per cob is the main factor, which contributes

substantially towards the final yield of the crop. It is clear from the data

presented in Table 4.8, that there was a significant effect of treatments on

grain weight per cob. The highest grain weight per cob (134.2 g) was

recorded in T4 treatment in which N was applied 50% from urea + 50%

from FYM and was statistically at par with T 5 treatment.

The minimum grain weight per cob (119.1 g) was recorded in T 1

treatment where no fertilizer was applied which was however, statist ically

at par with T2 and T3 treatments. These results are in line with the findings

of Sidhu and Sur. (1993). The increase in the grain weight per cob in

treatment of 50% urea + 50% FYM was mainly due to more cob length and

more number of grains per cob.

Table 4.8 Grain weight per cob (g) of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 48.355 24.177 1.9349

Treatments 5 460.511 92.102 7.3710*

Error 10 124.952 12.495

Total 17 633.818

* = Significant


TREATMENTS MEANS






T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % N from FYM 126.1 bcAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 7.419

4.9 1000-GRAIN WEIGHT (g)

Grain weight is an important yield component. Mean values

regarding 1000-grain weight of maize as influenced by mineral fert ilizer

and organic manure are presented in Table 4.10, which reveals that the

treatmental effect was highly significant on the parameter under

discussion. Maximum 1000-grain weight (279.1 g) was obtained in T4 plot

which was fertilized with N (50% from urea + 50% from FYM) followed

by T6 (270.2 g), where only urea fertilizer was applied.

The minimum 1000-grain weight was obtained in treatment T1 (242.4

g), where no nitrogen was applied. Results are corroborating with Sidhu

and Sur (1993). The increase in 1000-grain weight in T4 was mainly due to

the balanced supply of food nutrients from both urea and FYM throughout

the grain filling and development period.

Table 4.9 1000-grain weight (gm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 17.679 8.840 0.7739

Treatments 5 2373.368 474.674 41.5560**

Error 10 114.225 11.422

Total 17 2505.272



TREATMENTS MEANS







LSD value = 6.148

4.10 GRAIN YIELD (kg/ha)

Grain yield is a function of the integrated effect of the entire

individual yield components. Treatments under study affected grain yield

significantly (table 4.10). The combined application of N 50% from urea +

50% from FYM (T4) produced the maximum maize grain yield (5793

kg/ha) followed by treatment T5 which produced the grain yield of 5717

kg/ha. Whereas, control (T1) plot gave minimum yield of 4417 kg/ha.

The increase in grain yield in case of combined use of FYM and urea

fertilizer was mainly due to the more number of grains per cob as well as

number of cobs per plant and better grain development. These results are

similar to the findings of Vesho (1984), Sidhu and Sur (1993) and Rong et

al . (2001), who reported that 25 to 50% organic +50 to 75% chemical

fertilizer application increased soil moisture, soil fertility, growth of

maize and maize yield and promoted maize grain quality.

Table 4.10 Grain yield (kg ha -1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 301.444 150.722 0.2326

Treatments 5 4077266.278 815453.256 1258.4371**

Error 10 6479.889 647.989

Total 17 4084047.611



TREATMENTS MEANS







LSD value = 46.31

4.11 BIOLOGICAL YIELD (kg/ha)

The results presented in Table 4.11, show a highly significant effct

of treatments on the parameter under discussion. Maximum biological

yield (14880 kg/ha) was obtained where N was applied 50% from urea +

50% from FYM (T4) followed by T6 producing the biological yield of

13830 kg/ha where only urea fertilizer was applied and T3 was statistically

at with T6 treatment .

The minimum biological yield was obtained in T1 treatment (12210

kg/ha) where no fertilizer was applied. These results are in line with those

of Sidhu and Sur (1993). The increase in biological yield of maize in T4

might be due to the proper and balanced supply of nutrients to the plants.

Table 4.11 Biological yield (kg ha -1) of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure


Source ofVariation

Degrees ofFreedom

Sum ofSquares

MeanSquare

F-Value

Replications 2 5240.111 2620.056 0.5634

Treatments 5 13013863.722 2602772.722 559.6893**

Error 10 46503.889 4650.389

Total 17 13065607.611



TREATMENTS MEANS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied) 12210 e

T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % from N FYM 12730 d

T3 = 25 % N from urea + 75 % from N FYM 13780 b

T4 = 50% N from urea + 50% from N FYM 14880 a

T5 = 75 % N from urea + 25 % from N FYM 13560 c

T6 = 100 % N from urea + 0 % from N FYM 13830 bAny two means not sharing a let ter , differ significantly at 5 % probabil i ty level

LSD value = 124.1

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomic research area,

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen

application through different combinations of urea and farm yard manure

on the performance of spring maize (Zea mays L.). The recommended rates

of NPK; 250, 125 and 125 kg ha -1 , respectively were used. The experiment

consisted of the following treatments; T1 ═ control, T2 ═ 100% N through

FYM, T3 ═ 25% N through urea and 75% N through FYM, T 4 ═ 50% N

through urea and 50% N through FYM, T5 ═ 75% N through urea and 25%

N through FYM, T6 ═ 100% N through urea. The experiment was laid out

in randomized complete block design with three replications. Hybrid

maize Pioneer 32-W-86 was sown on 16 t h of February, 2006. The soil

samples were collected from 0-15 cm depth to be used for chemical

analysis. A representative sample of farmyard manure was also analyzed

for chemical characteristics. Data were recorded on plant height (cm),

plant population, number of cobs per plant, cob length (cm), cob

weight(g), number of grain rows per cob, number of grains per row, grain

weight per cob (g), grain yield kg ha -1 , 1000-grain weight (g) and

biological yield kg ha -1 . The results obtained are summarized as below:

Maximum plant height (211.3 cm) was obtained in T6 treatment where

100% recommenced N was applied through urea

Application of N 50% from urea + 50% from FYM (T 4) produced

maximum number of cobs per plant (1.190), more cob length (18.57

cm), maximum cob weight (216.4 g), more number of grains rows per

cob (16.50), more number of grains per row (33.37), maximum grain

weight per cob (134.2 g), maximum 1000-grain weight (279.1 g),

more grain yield (5793 kg/ha) and maximum biological yield (14880

kg/ha).

CONCLUSION

This study suggest that the maize should be fertilized with N 50%

from urea and 50% from FYM to get the maximum yield per hectare

under agro-ecological conditions of Faisalabad.

CHAPTER 6

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Appendix 1 Plant height at harvest (cm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS

T1 = Control (No Fertilizer Applied)

T2 = 0 % N from urea + 100 % from N FYM


T4 = 50% N from urea + 50% from N FYM



Treatments/Replications

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 189.8 191.2 200.5 207.6 208.4 206.8

R2 186.7 199.8 198.6 198.4 201.2 212.4

R3 188.2 196.5 202.7 211.5 212.6 214.8

Means 188.2 195.8 200.6 205.8 207.4 211.3

Appendix 2 Plant population at harvest (m-2) of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 7 8 7 7 8 8

R2 7 7 8 7 7 7

R3 7 7 7 7 7 7

Means 7.00 7.33 7.33 7.00 7.33 7.33

Appendix 3 Number of cobs per plant of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 1.00 1.06 1.12 1.13 1.20 1.08

R2 1.02 1.04 1.06 1.27 1.14 1.23

R3 1.01 1.11 1.09 1.17 1.11 1.11

Means 1.010 1.070 1.090 1.190 1.150 1.140

Appendix 4 Cob length (cm) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 14.3 14.7 15.3 17.7 18.1 17.2

R2 13.4 15.1 14.8 19.2 17.8 18.1

R3 14.7 13.9 15.7 15.8 16.9 17.9

Means 14.13 14.57 15.27 18.57 17.60 17.73

Appendix 5 Cob weight (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 186.2 188.9 195.6 209.9 211.7 209.9

R2 188.7 191.7 191.2 221.8 205.9 212.8

R3 194.7 195.7 188.9 217.5 214.2 207.7

Means 189.9 192.1 191.9 216.4 210.6 210.1

Appendix 6 Number of grain rows per cob of maize as affected bydifferent combinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 14.2 14.8 15.4 16.4 15.8 15.8

R2 14.6 15.2 15.2 16.6 16.2 15.8

R3 14.8 15.2 15.4 16.8 16.0 16.0

Means 14.53 15.07 15.33 16.60 16.00 15.87

Appendix 7 Number of grains per row of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 28.9 29.5 30.1 34.6 31.7 30.1

R2 27.3 30.1 32.1 32.1 32.3 31.2

R3 26.9 29.4 29.8 33.4 29.2 29.5

Means 27.70 29.67 30.67 33.37 31.07 30.27

Appendix 8 Grains weight per cob (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 120.1 117.1 122.4 135.2 134.1 127.1

R2 122.1 121.2 127.2 134.6 127.1 129.1

R3 115.1 125.1 118.6 132.9 124.5 122.1

Means 119.1 121.1 122.7 134.2 128.6 126.1

Appendix 9 1000-Grain weight (g) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 236.41 254.94 266.98 279.11 267.42 269.62

R2 246.52 257.84 260.57 276.32 271.52 272.24

R3 244.21 261.49 264.75 281.84 267.46 268.71

Means 242.4 258.1 264.1 279.1 268.8 270.2

Appendix 10 Grain yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 4435 5173 5214 5823 5702 5681

R2 4388 5209 5259 5768 5735 5725

R3 4427 5223 5231 5787 5714 5693

Means 4417.0 5202.0 5235.0 5793.0 5717.0 5700.0

Appendix 11 Biological yield (kg ha-1) of maize as affected by differentcombinations of urea and farm yard manure

TREATMENTS








T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

R1 12124 12782 13812 14896 13491 13843

R2 12321 12654 13801 14927 13584 13861

R3 12190 12768 13735 14809 13618 13797

Means 12210.0 12730.0 13780.0 14880.0 13560.0 13830.0

effect of nitrogen application through different combinations of urea and farm yard manure on the...

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