Performance of Kharif maize under different plant populations and nitrogen levels in southern Telangana

An experiment was conducted during 2013 to find out the effects of 3 levels of plant populations (66666, 88888 and 111111 plants/ha) and 4 levels of nitrogen (120, 180, 240 and 300 kg/ha) on Kharif maize in sandy loam soils of Hyderabad. The results showed that population density of 111111 plants/ha recorded higher grain yield (7704 kg/ha) and stover yield (10453 kg/ha) due to  significantly more plant height (169 cm), LAI (5.16) at six leaf stage, silking, dough and harvest, however it was on a par with population density of 88888 plants/ha. The population density of 66666  plants/ha produced significantly higher  number of rows per cob (14.4), number of grains per row (29.4), number of grains per cob (428) and test weight (29.7 g). Different plant populations did not influence the phenology of Kharif maize. Among the nitrogen levels application of 240 kg N per ha recorded significantly more grain yield (8349 kg/ha) and stover yield (10525 kg/ha) over 120 and 180 kg N/ha due to positive influence on growth parameters and yield attributes. However it was comparable with 300 kg N per ha. Early silking was observed with 240 and 300 kg N per ha and early maturity was observed with 120 and 180 kg N per ha.