Growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by flood under different planting methods and nitrogen levels.

摘要

A field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana during kharif [monsoon] 1998 to assess the damage caused by flooding and ways to mitigate the loss through maize crop management practices. The experiment comprised three levels of flood (no flooding, continuous flood for 10 days at knee-high stage and at tasselling stage), two methods of planting (flat and ridge), and two levels of nitrogen at 120 and 150 kg/hectare. Continuous flooding at the knee-high stage reduced final plant height, dry matter accumulation and grain yield by 9.2, 41.7 and 44% compared with no flooding, respectively. The corresponding decrease with flooding at the tasselling stage was 2.7, 15.3 and 15.3%, respectively. Sowing on ridges reduced the adverse effect of flooding and gave9.9% more yield than flat sowing. Application of 150 kg N/hectare enhanced the grain yield by 9.1% as compared to the recommended level of 120 kg N/hectare.