Effect of different doses of nitrification inhibitors and varying levels of nitrogen on Growth, development and N, P and K content in grain and straw of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2013 at New Delhi to study the growth
and development behavior and N, P and K content in grain and straw of PMH-3 variety of maize
under different doses of nitrification inhibitors and varying levels of nitrogen. The experiment was
laid out in a randomized block design with fourteen combinations of nitrification inhibitors
(Dicyandiamide, neem oil and meliacin) each with two different concentration and two levels of
nitrogen (135 and 180 kg/ha). The growth parameters viz. plant height, leaf area index and dry
weight of plant were significantly affected by different doses of nitrification inhibitors and varying
levels of nitrogen. Taller plants with higher dry weight of plant were obtained with the application
of MCU350@180 whereas higher leaf area index was observed with MCU700@180 compared to other
doses of nitrification inhibitors and varying levels of nitrogen. Highest mean crop growth rate was
observed with the application of MCU350@180, while the different doses of nitrification inhibitor were
failed to achieve any significant mean relative growth rate of maize at different stages of maize
plant. MCU350@N180 accumulated maximum nitrogen in grain and stover and these values were
significantly higher over urea application @ 180kg N/ha and other nitrification inhibitors at reduced
dose of nitrogen i.e. (135 kg N/ha).