EFFECTS OF NITROGEN LEVEL AND ROW SPACING ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF FLINT CORN

Abstract

Application of nitrogen fertilizer up to 90 kg/ha with 30 kg each of P₂O₅ and K₂O did not remarkably affect the growth and yield parameters of flint corn. However, visual observation indicated that fertilization resulted in the development of sturdier corn plants with darker green and broader leaves. It likewise promoted earlier initiation of reproductive stage and hence, maturity. Row spacing at 50 cm resulted in the highest leaf area index, stover and grain yields. Increase in row spacing from 50 to 75 or 100 cm markedly reduced these parameters. Significant interaction effects of nitrogen level and row spacing were observed on stover yield only.