Performance of hybrid maize genotypes under different moisture and nutrient regimes for improving productivity and nutrient use efficiency

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at New Delhi during kharif season of 2015 and 2016 to study the
performance of maize genotypes under different moisture and nutrient regimes. The results revealed
that the yields were significantly improved under normal condition as compared to stress at grain
filling stage in 2015 (low rainfall year), while in 2016 result was non-significant. Application of
fertilizer through Site Specific Nutrient Manamgenet (170:40:48 kg N:P2O5:K2O) resulted in significant
increase in maize yields in both the study years over absolute control. Among genotypes, PMH-4
produced significantly higher grain, stover and biological yields during both the years. Nitrogen
and Potassium content in grain, partial factor productivity and agronomic efficiency were
significantly affected by applying stress at grain filling stage and SSNM based nutrient application.
Amongst genotypes, significant variation in grain N and P was observed in 2015 but partial factor
productivity and agronomic efficiency was obtained higher with PMH-4, while lowest was with
Bio-9637 and Bio-9681. Therefore, it is concluded that the moisture and nutrient regimes imposes
significant effect on yield and nutrient use efficiency of maize hybrids.