Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L) Varieties with Varying Rates of Nitrogen Supply in Halalaba District South Ethiopia

A field experiment involving different N fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha-1) was conducted to determine the effect of N on two varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) growth, and yield in Halaba district, Southern Ethiopia using a randomized complete block design with three replications of two varieties. The results of the study indicated that application of N fertilizer significantly increased the grain yield of maize mainly through its positive effects on the crop‘s growth and, yield and also the two tested maize varieties are significantly different under different rates of nitrogen by the different agronomic characteristics. In the study, application of 90 kg N ha-1 in pioneer shone variety significantly (P < 0.05) increased maize grain yield, number of ears, ear length, leaves per plant, seeds per ear, height of plant. At this N level grain yield increased by 4783.167 kg ha-1 (121.0673%) over its control plot. At the optimum application rate of 90 kg N ha-1, observed highest grain yield (8734kg ha-1), and other growth and yield related agronomic characteristics (number of ears, ear length, leaves per plant, seeds per ear, height of plant). This result implies that the pioneer variety at the application of 90KgN/ha can be recommended for the production of optimum maize yield in the study areas.