2024, Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part F

author(s)
Chinmaya Kumar Sahu, Ravi Kiran, Siddhant Gupta and Naveen Kumar Bind

abstract
This study evaluates the impact of different sowing dates and nitrogen fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of maize (variety DKC-9144) during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. A split-plot design was utilized with three sowing dates (June 27^th , July 12^th , and July 27^th) as main plots and four nitrogen levels (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) as subplots, each replicated three times. Key agronomic parameters were measured, including the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area index, grain yield, stover yield, and harvest index. Data analysis included calculating the critical difference and standard error at a 5% significance level to assess the effects of sowing dates, nitrogen levels, and their interactions. Results indicate that the July 12^th sowing date significantly enhanced growth parameters and yields, with pooled grain and stover yields of 8172 kg/ha and 9718 kg/ha, respectively. The highest nitrogen application (200 kg/ha) markedly improved all measured parameters, with pooled grain and stover yields reaching 9710 kg/ha and 11737 kg/ha, respectively. The interaction between sowing dates and nitrogen levels was not significant, suggesting independent effects on maize performance. In conclusion, for optimal growth and yield of maize variety DKC-9144, a mid-season sowing date (around July 12^th) combined with a nitrogen application rate of 200 kg/ha is recommended. These findings provide critical insights for maize cultivation, optimizing productivity under similar agro-climatic conditions.