Effect of nitrogen consumption management on morphophysiological traits, yield and yield components of corn hybrids (Zea mays L.)

In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen management on morphophysiological traits, yield and yield components of corn hybrids, the present experiment was carried out in a split plots arrangement in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in a field located in Ahvaz city during the crop year 2016-2017. Experimental treatments consisted of nitrogen fertilizer management at three levels of 100 percent urea, 100 percent Nitrokara and 50 percent urea and 50 percent Nitrokara in main plots and different maize hybrids at three levels including Karon, Mobin and Single Cross 704 in sub plots. The results showed that nitrogen consumption management had a significant effect on plant height, ear length, yield, seed number per row, one-thousand grain weight and chlorophyll index and nitrogen consumption efficiency. Also, the studied hybrid type was significantly different in plant height, yield and yield components and nitrogen consumption efficiency. Among the investigated hybrids, Single Cross 704 was superior to other investigated hybrids, so that in terms of plant height, grain yield, number of seeds per row, weight of one thousand seeds and efficiency of nitrogen consumption was allocated the highest rate. In examining the interaction effect of nitrogen consumption management and corn hybrids, grain yield was significant at one percent probability level. The highest grain yield with an average of 6.3 tons per hectare was related to 50 percent urea treatment and 50 percent Nitrokara and Single Cross 704 cultivar. Regarding the results, it seems that the combination of chemical fertilizer with bio fertilizer could increase the yield on hybrid Single Cross 704 and Mobin hybrid had less fertility.