Effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates and time of application on the growth and yield of maize ( Zea mays L.) in Minna, Nigeria.

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during the raining season of 2017 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology Minna, Gidan Kwano Campus. The experiment was to determine the effect of nitrogen rates and time of application on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). The variety used was Oba Super 1 and the fertilizer application was at the rate of 0 kg N/ha, 30 kg N/ha. 60 kg N/ha, and 90 kg N/ha and was applied by split application. First application was at 2, 3, and 4 week after sowing and the second application were at 5,6, and 7 WAS after sowing respectively. Data collected include plant height, number of leaves, and 50 % silking, number of cobs, cob length, cob weight and grain weight. The result indicated that application of nitrogen fertilizer at 2 and 4 weeks after sowing resulted in optimum growth and yield of maize in the study area.