Tillage systems and nitrogen timings effect on growth, stay green and grain quality in maize (Zea mays L.)

Nitrogen (N), being mobile in soil is exposed to various losses owing to unwise use of nitrogen fertilizer, and conventional soil and crop management practices which can be minimized by temporal nitrogen application and different tillage practices. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of different tillage systems and nitrogen timings on growth, stay green and grain quality in maize. Three tillage systems viz. T-1: tillage with cultivator, T-2: mouldboard plough + 2-cultivations, T3: chisel plough + 2-cultivations; and five nitrogen timings viz. N-1: whole at sowing, N-2: 1/2 at sowing+1/2 at V5 (5-leaf stage), N-3: 1/2 at sowing+1/2 at tasseling, N-4: 1/2 at V5+1/2 at tasseling, N-5: 1/3 at sowing+1/3 at V5+1/3 at tasseling). Tillage systems and nitrogen application had significant effect on leaf area per plant, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Tillage systems had non-significant effect on stay green and grain quality parameters except for oil contents. However, nitrogen timings had significant effect on chlorophyll a, b and total contents as well as grain quality parameters. The higher a, b and total chlorophyll contents were noted with three splits i.e. 1/3 at sowing+1/3 at V5+1/3 at tasseling compared with other treatments. The results suggest to grow maize by preparing the field through chisel plough and applying N in three splits to improve its growth, chlorophyll contents and grain quality.