COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) VARIETIES UNDER NITROGEN LEVELS TACTICS FOR IMPROVED CROP YIELD AND QUALITY IN CHHAMOGARH VALLEY DISTRICT GILGIT, PAKISTAN

Background: Nitrogen is a fundamental macronutrient essential for chlorophyll production, protein synthesis, enzymatic activity, and cellular development in maize (Zea mays L.). It constitutes approximately 1% to 4% of the plant’s dry matter and directly influences photosynthetic efficiency, vegetative growth, and reproductive success. In nitrogen-deficient soils, maize performance deteriorates significantly, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yields. Effective nitrogen management is therefore critical for maximizing maize productivity, especially in nutrient-sensitive regions like Gilgit-Baltistan. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying nitrogen levels on the growth and yield performance of different maize varieties under the agroecological conditions of Chhamogarh, Gilgit, Pakistan. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in kharif 2024 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Four maize varieties—Azam, Pahari, Jalal, and Islamabad Gold—were tested under four nitrogen treatments: T1 = 0 kg ha⁻¹ (control), T2 = 108 kg ha⁻¹, T3 = 120 kg ha⁻¹, and T4 = 132 kg ha⁻¹. Parameters recorded included seedling emergence, plant height, stem girth, number of internodes per plant, days to tasseling, biological yield, and grain yield. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in Statistix 8.1 software. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed across all variables. T4 (132 kg ha⁻¹) produced the highest plant height (182.4 cm), stem girth (13.1 cm), internodes (14.1), biological yield (14,567.7 kg ha⁻¹), and grain yield (4,198.4 kg ha⁻¹) in variety Pahari. Conversely, T1 (control) recorded the lowest values in all parameters. Conclusion: The findings highlight that nitrogen application at 132 kg ha⁻¹ substantially improves maize growth and yield, with Pahari emerging as the most responsive and high-performing variety under local conditions.