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Growth, yield components and micronutrient nutrition of field-grown maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by nitrogen fertilization and plant density

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Abstract

Growth and yield components in field-grown maize (Zea mays L.) were enhanced by nitrogen fertilization ranging from 50 to 200 kg N ha−1. Ear diameter, kernel depth, grain: stover ratio, number of ears plant−1, plant height and dry matter production increased as N fertilization rate was increased up to 100 or 150 kg N ha−1. Tasselling in maize was hastened by N fertilization. Increasing plant density from 25000 to 75000 plants ha−1 increased plant height, dry matter production and delayed tasseling but reduced ear diameter, kernel depth, grain: stover ratio and number of ears plant−1. Increased N supply and plant density had no influence on the concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe in ear leaf; except that Mn concentration increased as N fertilization rate was increased up to 150 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen × plant density interactions on the concentrations of the micronutrients in maize ear leaf were not significant.

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Ogunlela, V.B., Amoruwa, G.M. & Ologunde, O.O. Growth, yield components and micronutrient nutrition of field-grown maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by nitrogen fertilization and plant density. Fertilizer Research 17, 189–196 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01050279

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01050279

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