Evaluation of fodder maize (Shalimar Fodder Maize-1) to planting density and nitrogen levels under temperate conditions

AbstractMaize has been an important cereal crop owing to its highest production potential and wider adaptability to varied agro-climatic conditions hence it is called as ‘Queen of Cereals’. The production potential of forage maize can be altered with changes in agronomic practices. The present study was undertaken with the objective to improve the growth attributing traits of forage maize (Shalimar Fodder Maize-1). The experiment consisted of two factors viz., three planting densities (viz., D1= 30cm × 10cm, D2= 40cm × 10cm, and D3= 50cm × 10cm) and five nitrogen levels (viz., N1= Control, N2= 75% RDN, N3= 100% RDN, N4= 125% RDN, N5= 150% RDN) laid out in split plot design (SPD) taking planting densities as main plot treatments and nitrogen levels as subplot treatments with three replications. The growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate were significantly higher when plants were grown at a density of 30 cm × 10 cm with a nitrogen level of150 % RDN.