Effect of different planting methods and nitrogen levels on the quality of Kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2015at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of planting methods (flat, ridge and bed) and five nitrogen levels (0, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha -1 ) on the quality of maize. Among different planting methods, bed planting produced significantly higher yield of Kharif maize as compared to flat sowing method. Maximum grain yield of 58.5 q ha -1 was recorded in bed planting methods which was statistically at par with ridge sowing method (57.3 q ha -1 ) but was significantly higher than that recorded under flat sowing (52.6 q ha -1 ). Similar trend was recorded in stover yield. Different planting methods did not significantly influence the protein content, total sugars, starch content, oil content, carotene, total carotenoids and total minerals in maize grains. Among nitrogen levels, 150 kg N ha -1 gave significantly higher grain yield over 120, 90 and control but at par with 180 kg N ha -1 . Similar trend was also observed in stover yield. However; application of 180 kg N ha -1 recorded significantly higher protein content and total minerals than all the nitrogen levels except 150 kg ha -1 . Application of 180 kg N ha -1 recorded low total sugars than other nitrogen level but it was at par with 150 kg N ha -1