Effect of organic and chemical fertilizers application on grain yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) SC704

To study effect of urban waste compost, vermicompost and NPK on grain yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L. SC704) an experiment was conducted at research farm of the University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran in 2008 cropping season. Experimental treatments were arranged in a strip split plot design in randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included; four organic fertilizers levels; control, 15 ton.ha-1 vermicompost, 15 ton.ha-1 compost and 15 ton.ha-1 compost + 10 ton.ha-1 vermicompost, and five levels of chemical fertilizers; control, N80P40K40, N120P60K60, N160P80K80 and N200P100K100 kg.ha-1. Results indicated that chemical fertilizers had a significant effect on grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, ear yield, ear length, ear diameter, ear weight, number of kernels.ear-1 and 1000 grain weight. Meanwhile organic fertilizers caused significant differences on all mentioned traits except for harvest index. The interaction effects showed that integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizers were more effective on maize growth. Therefore, the highest grain yield (9623 kg.ha-1) obtained by applying compost and vemicompost mixture with N200P100K100. Generally, integrated application of chemical fertilizers and composts, especially vermicompost, could play important role in increasing maize grain yield.