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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Desert and Environmental Agriculture, Fuka, Alexandria University, Matrouh Branch.

2 Crop Intensification Dep., Field Crop Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt

Abstract

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 percent 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.

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