Sustainable Optimization Of Maize Yield And Yield Traits Through The Integrated Use Of Organic Manures And Nitrogen Levels

Abstract

The optimization of maize production through sustainable approaches is essential to meet growing food demands while preserving soil health. Therefore, the integrated use of organic manures and nitrogen fertilization presents a sustainable approach for enhancing crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency. This experiment was conducted in Agronomy Research Farm Amir Muhammad Khan Campus Mardan, the university of Agriculture Peshawar during Kharif 2022 to study the Yield and yield attributes of maize as effected by different organic manures and nitrogen levels. The experiment was laid out in the randomize complete block design having three replications. The experiment was consisted of two factors, factor A was organic manures (control, poultry manure, farmyard manure and compost) and factor B was nitrogen levels (0, 120 and 150 kg ha-1). Findings shows that, Organic manures and nitrogen levels significantly affected days to tasseling, days to silking, leaf area, plant height, ear length, thousands grain weight, biological yield and grain yield. Less days to tasseling (61.92 days) and silking (68 days) were observed in those plots where poultry manure and Nitrogen at the rate of 150 kgha-1 were applied. Greater leaf area (266.70 cm), plant height (220.58 cm), thousands grain weight (29.47 g), grain ear-1 (419.98), ear length (224.20 cm), higher grain yield (2118 kg ha-1) and biological yield (7582 kg ha-1) were recorded in those plots where compost and Nitrogen at the rate of 150 kg ha-1 were applied. From the present study it is concluded that compost and nitrogen at the rate of 150 kg/ha can increase yield and yield attributes of maize in agro climatic conditions of Mardan.