PJB-2023-443
Maize holds global significance as both a staple food and livestock feed. In Pakistan, its cultivation has surged due to its versatility in food, feed, fodder, and industry. However, challenges like climate change, limited land, and population growt
Haseeb Ahmad
Abstract
Maize holds global significance as both a staple food and livestock feed. In Pakistan, its cultivation has surged due to its versatility in food, feed, fodder, and industry. However, challenges like climate change, limited land, and population growth strain green fodder availability, crucial for sustainable dairy farming. Nitrogen, vital for plant growth, significantly influences maize cultivation, enhancing growth, yield. This research aimed to address the need for quality fodder by studying diverse nitrogen effects on maize varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock production and agricultural sustainability. The experiment took place in the summer of 2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in Pakistan. Adopting a RCB design with three replications, fodder maize varieties (Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with four nitrogen levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg ha-1) applied during sowing, knee (V4), and silking stages. Data collection included various parameters such as emergence days, emergence m-2, tasseling, silking and milking days, leaves plant-1, leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, fresh fodder and dry fodder yield. The data upon analysis revealed that different maize varieties had a significant impact on these parameters. Maize varieties significantly affected days to tasseling and silking, with Jumbo variety showing the longest duration (59 and 62, respectively). Similar results were observed for days to milking, with Jumbo variety taking the longest time (80 days). Jumbo variety also recorded more leaf number (11.5), leaf area (478 cm-2) and leaf area index (3.4). Moreover, taller plants were also exhibited by Jumbo variety (221 cm). Fresh fodder (67777 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (23424 kg ha-1) was recorded higher for Jumbo variety. In terms of nitrogen application, tasseling (59) and silking (62) took more days when 150 and 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen was applied as compared to control. 200 kg nitrogen delayed milking stage by 10 days when compared to control plots (83 days). Higher and statistically same leaf count, leaf area and leaf area index were recorded on 150 and 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Plant height of maize was also higher with 150 kg ha-1 N (196 cm) and 200 kg ha-1 N (202 cm). Lastly maximum fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was associated with 150 and 200 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Keeping in view the results of experiment performed, it is recommended to cultivate jumbo variety along with the application of 150 kg N ha-1 for obtaining higher fodder yield of maize.
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