Effects of fertilization on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) in temperate semiarid region

Abstract

Potential maize yields are determined by the interaction of genotype, environment, and management practices (G × E × M). The increase in crop yield during the past century is attributed to the selection of genotypes with higher yield potential and an increased amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Maximum maize yields are dependent on a balanced nutrition, with N nutrition as the main nutrient limiting maize yields and seed quality. Combined application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer could significantly enhance crop yield. A three years field experiments was conducted at the research experimental station of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia (N 45° 19`, E 19° 50`) to investigate effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on yield and yield components of maize and to determine optimum levels of N and P for recommendation in agroecological conditions of South Pannonian basin. The trial was established on a chernozem soil (subtype: chernozem on loess and loess-like sediments; variety: slightly calcareous). Factorial combinations of six levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 kg N ha–1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 50 and 80 kg P ha–1) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Highly significant effects (P < 0.01) were observed on almost all agronomic parameters studied due to the pronounced effects of N and P and their interaction. Grain yield was significantly affected by year, fertilisation and year × fertilisation interaction.