Response of Maize ( Zea mays L.) Fodder to Different Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

摘要

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different combination of nitrogen and phosphorus on the fodder yield and quality of maize ( Zea mays L.). The maize cultivar Pak. Afgoyee sown on 1^st August, 2000 was given NP fertilizers at the rate of 0-0, 120-40, 120-60, 120-80, 160-40, 160-60, 160-80, 200-40, 200-60, and 200-80 kg ha ^-1. Growth characteristics like plant height, number of leaves plant ^-1, stem diameter, leaf area plant ^-1, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and dry matter percentage were influenced significantly by the application of nitrogen and phosphorus. Maximum green fodder yield was obtained when nitrogen and phosphorus were applied at the rate of 200-80 kg ha ^-1 but it was statistically similar to NP application of 200-60 kg ha ^-1. The increase in yield was mainly due to increased plant height, number of leaves plant ^-1 and stem diameter. Quality parameters such as crude protein , crude fibre and ash contents were also influenced significantly by the application of NP fertilizers. All NP combination produced higher crude protein , crude fibre and ash contents over control. Keeping in view both yield and quality NP levels of 200+60 kg ha ^-11 seems to be the best combination under Faisalabad conditions for maize cultivar Pak. Afgoyee.