RESPONSE OF MAIZE GROWTH AND YIELD TO SOWING METHODS, MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL AND NITROGEN FERTILIZER LEVELS

Two field experiments were carried out at the private field in El-Orman village, El-Sinbelaween Center, Dakahlia Governorate, during 2005 and 2006 seasons to find out the effect of three sowing methods (Afeer, Hyrathy and Improved Hyrathy), three mechanical weed control (without, one and two hoeing) and three nitrogen fertilizer levels (75, 100, and 125 kg N/fed) on growth, yield and its components of maize (Zea mays L.) Single Cross 10 (S.C. 10). Each sowing methods was done in separate experiment. Every experiment of sowing method was carried out in split plot design with four replications. The obvious results of this investigation can be summarized as follows: Sowing maize plants via Improved Hyrathy method significantly increased all studied characters as compared with other sowing methods (Afeer and Hyrathy) in both seasons. Mechanical weed control in maize fields through two hoeing caused remarkable increases in growth characters, yield and its components comparison with without hoeing or controlling weed by one hoeing in the two growing seasons. Application nitrogen fertilization at the level of 125 kg N/fed significantly exceeded other levels (75 and 100 kg N/fed) of studied growth parameters and yield components as well as grain yield in both seasons. Finally, the preferable growth and yield of maize S.C. 10 can be achieved through planting by Improved Hyrathy method, controlling weeds by hoeing at two times and mineral fertilizing with 125 kg N/fad under the environmental conditions of El-Sinbelaween Center, Dakahlia Governorate.