Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize Hybrids under Contrasting Nitrogen Levels in Post-Rice Field Conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V16N1.2026.162Keywords:
correlation, low nitrogen tolerance index, nitrogen deficiency index, nitrogen fertilizerAbstract
Growing maize under both high and low nitrogen conditions in post-rice fields is essential for understanding the factors influencing nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. This study aimed to identify maize hybrids with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and stable performance across different nitrogen levels for potential use in low-input systems and breeding programs. A field experiment was conducted during the dry season of 2023/24 to assess six maize hybrid varieties. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with two factors, including maize variety and nitrogen fertilizer level, with three replications. Data were collected on yield, yield components, and agronomic traits to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilizer, variety, and their interaction. Among the tested hybrids, Pac789, CP639, P4163, and DK9979C recorded the highest average yields. Under nitrogen-deficient conditions, P4546 exhibited strong tolerance, maintaining stable yield levels with minimal reduction. Under sufficient nitrogen conditions, CP639, P4163, Pac789, and DK9979C demonstrated high NUE values. Across nitrogen treatments, Pac789 displayed both a high shelling percentage and dark green foliage, indicating broad adaptability. Yield under high nitrogen conditions was positively correlated with NUE, while under low nitrogen conditions, yield was closely associated with the low nitrogen tolerance index and the nitrogen deficiency index. P4546 stood out as the most tolerant hybrid under nitrogen-limited conditions, showing only a slight yield reduction. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers selecting hybrids suited to varying soil fertility and nitrogen availability. Moreover, the results offer practical guidance for breeding programs aiming to develop maize varieties with improved NUE, contributing to more productive and sustainable maize cultivation in post-rice agroecosystems.
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