RESPONSE OF RAMPUR HYBRID 10 TO DIFFERENT DOSE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER UNDER VARYING

PLANT DENSITIES IN DANG, NEPAL.

Principle researcher :Ms. Namrata Giri

Mobile no.: 9861149168

Email: agriculturistnamrata@gmail.com

Responsible institution: Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan

Major advisor: Asst. Prof. Tej Narayan Bhusal

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan

Site Supervisor:Mr. Mahesh Regmi

Senior Agriculture Officer

Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Project Implementation Unit

Lamahi, Dang Nepal

Type of research : Field experiment

Site of Study: Lamahi municipality, Dang

Duration of Study: 5 month ( Magh 2076- Asar 2078)

Total Budget : 45000

Contents
1.Introduction............................................................................................................................................5
1.1) Background Information.................................................................................................................5
1.2) Statement of Problems...................................................................................................................6
1.3) Rationale Of The Study..................................................................................................................6
1.4) Objectives.......................................................................................................................................7
General...............................................................................................................................................7
2) Literature Review..................................................................................................................................7
2.1.) Literature Review..........................................................................................................................7
2.1.1.) Effect Of Variety....................................................................................................................8
2.1.2.) Effect of plant density............................................................................................................8
2.1.2.) Effect Of Spacing....................................................................................................................8
3)Methodology..........................................................................................................................................9
3.1.) Site Selection:...............................................................................................................................9
3.2.) Experimental Setup........................................................................................................................9
4) OBSERVATIONS TO BE TAKEN.....................................................................................................9
4.1.) Weather data during the crop season.............................................................................................9
4.2.) Soil sampling and analysis of initial fertility status of soil...........................................................10
4.3.) Phenological Observation:...........................................................................................................10
4.3.1. Emergence:............................................................................................................................10
4.3.2. Plant population/m2:...............................................................................................................10
4.3.3. Days of tasseling:...................................................................................................................10
4.3.4. Days of silking:......................................................................................................................10
4.3.5. Days of physiological maturity:.............................................................................................10
4.4. Biometric observation...................................................................................................................10
4.4.1. Number of Leaf:.....................................................................................................................10
4.4.2. Leaf area index (LAI):............................................................................................................11
4.4.3. Plant height:...........................................................................................................................11
4.4.4. Dry matter accumulation:.......................................................................................................11
4.5.) Yield attributing characters..........................................................................................................11
 4.5.1. Number of harvested ears:......................................................................................................11
4.5.2. Ear length and circumference:................................................................................................11
4.5.3. Number of kernels per ear:.....................................................................................................11
4.5.4. Thousand Grain Weight (TGW) or Test weight:....................................................................11
4.5.5. Shelling percentage:...............................................................................................................11
4.5.6. Grain moisture content (%):...................................................................................................11
4.5.7. Grain yield:............................................................................................................................11
4.5.8. Stover yield:...........................................................................................................................12
4.5.9. Harvest index and grain:stover ratio:......................................................................................12
4.6.) Economic analysis:......................................................................................................................12
4.6.1. Cost of cultivation:.................................................................................................................12
4.6.2. Gross return:...........................................................................................................................12
4.6.3. Net return...............................................................................................................................12
4.6.4. B: C ratio: It will be calculated by following formula............................................................12
5) Expected Outcomes.............................................................................................................................12
6) Work Schedule....................................................................................................................................12
7) Budget Summary.................................................................................................................................13
8)References............................................................................................................................................14
Acronyms and Abbreviation

DADO: District Agriculture Development Office

PMAMP: Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project
PIU : Project Implementation Unit
AGDP : Agriculture Gross Domestic Product
GDP : Gross Domestic Product
ADS : Agriculture Development Strategy
NMRP :National Maize Research Program
MoAC : Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives
Kg : Kilogram
Qt : Quintal
mt/t : Metric Ton
MoAD : Ministry of Agriculture Development
Rs : Nepalese Rupees
CBS: : Central Bureau of Statistics
FY : Fiscal Year
NARC : Nepal Agriculture Research Council
LEE : Learning for Entrepreneurial Experience
Ha : Hectare
SPSS : Statistical Package for Social Sciences
MS-Excel: Microsoft Excel
NSCoA : National Sample Census of Agriculture
NARC : Nepal Agriculture Research Council
CIMMYT: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
LCC : Leaf Colour Chart
N : Nitrogen
N2O : Nitrous Oxide
NUE :Nitrogen Use Efficiency
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world’s widely grown cereals and is ranked third most important crop
after paddy and wheat. Maize is second most important crop in Nepalese agriculture after rice in
terms of area. Agriculture and forestry contribute 26.50% of total GDP of Nepal (CBS, 2075/76).
Maize’s contribution in GDP and AGDP is about 3.15% and 9.5% respectively. The total maize
production in the country is 27, 13, 635 mt from 9, 56, 447 ha with the average productivity of
2.83 t/ha (Krishi Diary 2075/76). Maize is a popular crop for food and feed. National food and
feed demand has been increased due to increasing population and emerging poultry and dairy
farming industries. Feed demand is increasing at the rate of 11% per annum (KC et al., 2015)
while maize production has been increased by 4.52% in last three years. About 80% of produced
maize is being fed to livestock & poultry and our production can fulfill only 30% of the current
demand. This circumstances have created utmost need for producing higher maize yield per unit
area to fulfill the national demand. Hybrid maize with high yield potential are being introduced
as our local and open pollinated varieties cannot meet the demand. Those hybrid varieties could
be best alternative to boost the production of maize in the given ecology.
Plant density per unit area is very important determinants of crop yield. Hybrid maize with
shorter plant height and erect leaves can be grown with higher plant density. Proper plant density
is essential for attaining maximum grain yield by increasing the capture of solar radiation within
the canopy (Monnveux et al., 2005). Modern hybrids respond more favorably to plant densities
because of higher Leaf Area Index (LAI) at silking, which results in more interception of
photosynthetically active radiation and have higher radiation use efficiency during grain filling
( Azam et al. , 2007)
Nutrient management play very important role in increasing the crop production. Both organic
and chemical fertilizer play important role in maize cultivation. Maize is a heavy feeder and
needs a balanced application of organic and inorganic fertilizer for increased productivity.
Nitrogen is the most important primary nutrients as it directly influences the growth and
productivity of the maize. Nitrogen is universally accepted as a key component to high corn yield
and economic return (Gehl et al.2005). It play important role in metabolism, growth,
reproduction and heredity of plant (Jain et al.,2005 ). It is required to complete different stage of
the maize crop and this is the most limiting nutrient for crop production and its deficiency at any
stage of growth especially at tasseling and silking stage leads to complete crop faliure. N use
efficiency is low because it is lost from the soil through various ways such as weed removal,
denitrification, leaching and run off. Unfortunately N is very low in Nepalese soil (Tripathi and
Shrestha, 2001).Fertilizer management is crucial for maize cultivation (Baral et al. 2015). Hybrid
varieties respond well to high plant density, it may require higher doses of fertilizer to exploit
hybrid vigor. According to Devkota et al.(2016), productivity can be raised by a factor of four to
>8 t/ha when hybrid are combined with judicious fertilizer use and better agronomical practices .
Adhikari and Adhikari (2013) found the highest grain yield i.e.11.10 t/ha of Rampur hybrid-2
when the crop was supplied with 180 kg nitrogen and with 83,383 plants per ha. Standardization
of plant density and fertilizer level assumes greater importance to achieve more economic returns
of hybrid maize (Singh & Singhi, 2006). Adhikari et al. (2020) reported that the present maize
recommended dose of fertilizer application is inadequate for high plant density to increase the
yield of hybrid maize. Lack of proper plant density in farmer’s field and proper nutrient
management are major yield limiting factor in maize production in Nepal.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Maize is cultivated throughout the year in Dang. Despite of different high yielding hybrid
varieties and rapid mechanization in maize farming , production is low and substantial amount of
maize is imported every year. The farm level yield of maize (2.83 t/ha) is not satisfactory as
compared to attainable yield (5.7 t/ha) in Nepal (MoAD 2014).
Plant density is a production factor that affect yield to the greatest extent. Plant population plays
important role as it is one of the most important yield contributing character. Hybrid maize
being short height and erect leaves can be planted in high density. Parallel to increasing plant
density the individual production of plant decreases but the yield per unit area
increases ,however to a certain limit.
Proper nutrient management also significantly increase the production. Maize is a neglected
crop in fertilizer use receiving only 10% share compared to rice (35%) and wheat(40%). Not
only use but the fertilizer are also used in imbalanced way. Nitrogen is one of the costliest and
perhaps the most crucial yield limiting factor and is a burning problem in most of maize growing
areas in Nepal. Due to improper management nitrogen use efficiency is very low along with
different environmental hazards. Rampur Hybrid-10 being a newly released heat tolerant hybrid
variety of maize lacks the proper information for planting density and nitrogen requirement for
optimum yield in Nepal; particularly in PMAMP,PIU, Dang. . Therefore, the present study was
conducted to investigate the optimum spacing for maize and nitrogen dose for the maximum
yield and yield components.

1.3) Rationale of the Study

Dang is the emerging hub for maize production through commercialization and mechanization.
Under PMAMP project Dang is being developed as superzone for maize. This project provides
the information regarding optimum plant density and appropriate nitrogen dose during spring
season for the recently released hybrid variety; Rampur hybrid-10 (rel.2074) which is lacking
particularly in maize superzone of Dang valley. This project is mainly focused on providing
information to farmers of dang valley about the plant density and nitrogen doses for spring
maize which will help them to increase the productivity of the spring maize.
Therefore,the present research will be carried out to optimize the crop density and selection of
optimum nitrogen dose for recent maize hybrid with following objectives.
1.4) Objectives

General Objective
 To determine the optimum plant density and the optimum nitrogen level for the Rampur
hybrid-10 variety of maize in spring season in Dang valley
Specific Objective
 To improve the productivity of maize for substitution of maize import in Nepal
 To access various rates of Nitrogen for determination of optimum level of nitrogen
fertilizer for Rampur hybrid 10 variety of maize
 To determine the growth and productivity of Rampur hybrid-10 at different plant density
in spring season in Dang
 To identify the optimum plant density for the Rampur hybrid-10 variety in spring season

3) Methodology

3.1) Site Selection

Research is to be conducted at Narayanpur, lamahi, Dang lies on the geographical coordinates of
27 52’37.73”N, 82 34’21.65”E. which is 725m above sea level. This district consists of larger
easterly and upstream portion of the parallel inner terai valleys of Dang , plus enclosing ranges
of hills and mountains. Narayanpur climate is tropical and is well irrigated by boring projects.

3.2) Experimental Setup

Design: RCBD
Treatment: 9
Replication: 3
Net plot size: 12.6 m^2
No. Of row in a plot: 7
Total experiment area: 499.2 m^2
Treatment details
Treatment no. Spacing Nitrogen Dose
T1 60*15cm2 (S1) 120kg/ha (N1)
T2 60*15cm2(S1) 180kg/ha (N2)
T3 60*15cm2 (S1) 240kg/ha (N3)
T4 60*25 cm2 (S2) 120kg/ha (N1)
T5 60*25 cm2 (S2) 180kg/ha (N2)
T6 60*25 cm2 (S2) 240kg/ha (N3)
T7 60*35 cm2 (S3) 120kg/ha (N1)
T8 60*35 cm2 (S3) 180kg/ha (N2)
T9 60*35 cm2 (S3) 240kg/ha (N3)
4) OBSERVATIONS TO BE TAKEN
4.1.) Weather data during the crop season
Monthly average maximum temperature
Monthly average minimum temperature
Monthly average rainfall
Monthly average relative humidity
Monthly average solar radiation
These data will be recorded from nearest point of Agro Meteorological Data Recorder, Dang.
4.2.) Soil sampling and analysis of initial fertility status of soil
Soil sample will be taken before sowing of the seeds from each replication and composite sample
will be made and analyzed for the initial fertility status of the soil. The soil samples will be taken
by tube auger from 0 – 15 cm and 0 – 30 cm depth of soil layer. The samples will be subjected to
air drying under room condition, grounded and passed through 0.2 mm sieve for analysis of
 Organic matter content
 Organic carbon content
 Total N content
 Available P2O5
 K2O content
 PH

4.3.) Phenological Observation:

Ten plants will be tagged for taking phonological observations. The phenological data will be
taken when 50% observation occurred and ended when 75% observation completed. The
phenological observations will be recorded as;
4.3.1. Emergence:
Seed emergence will be recorded when about 50% of the seedling will have emerged out of the
soil.
4.3.2. Plant population/m2:
The plant population/m2 will be counted about 20 days after sowing.
4.3.3. Days of tasseling:
The date of tasseling will be recorded from tassel emergence to 75% of plant will have tasseled
in each plot. The mid 3 rows will be taken for each phenological observation.
4.3.4. Days of silking:
The date will be recorded from the initiation of silk to 75% silking in each plot. The silk exposed
1cm from closed ear will be considered as emerged silk. The same rows as that of tasseling
records will be taken for days of silking.
4.3.5. Days of physiological maturity:

The appearance of black layer between ear surface and ear grains and occurrence of senescence
of ear husks will be considered as an indication to physiological maturity.
4.4. Biometric observation
4.4.1. Number of Leaf:
Number of leaf per plant will be counted from 5 randomly selected plants from each plot.

4.4.2. Leaf area index (LAI):

Leaf area will be measured from 3 randomly selected plants from each plot at 30 DAS, 45 DAS,
60 DAS, 75 DAS, 90 DAS, 105 DAS, and at maturity. Leaves from the plants will be detached
and leaf area will measured by leaf area meter. Then leaf area index will be calculated as:
2
Leaf area (cm )
LAI=
Land area (cm 2 )
4.4.3. Plant height: Plant height will be measured from the ground level to the top most visible
due lap of ten randomly selected plants from each plot at 30 DAS, 45 DAS, 60 DAS, 75 DAS, 90
DAS, 105 DAS, and at maturity
4.4.4. Dry matter accumulation: Detached leaves will be packed in the envelope and will dried in
hot oven for 48 hours at the temperature of 75 0c. The remaining portion will also be packed in
the envelope and will dried in hot oven for 48 hours at the temperature of 105 0c. Then the dry
weight of whole plant will be taken and expressed as t/ha.
4.5.) Yield attributing characters
4.5.1. Number of harvested ears: Total number of ears harvested from net harvestable area will
be recorded as harvested ears per plot and it is converted to hectare basis.
4.5.2. Ear length and circumference: Ten dehusked ears will be selected from each plot randomly
and length from the base up to top grain bearing portion of each ear will measure. The average of
ten ears will be calculated and expressed as ear length. The circumference of ten randomly
selected ears from each plot will be measured and average value will express as ear
circumference.
4.5.3. Number of kernels per ear: Ten randomly selected ear from each plot will be shelled and
all the kernels will count. And will be reported as number of kernels per ear.
4.5.4. Thousand Grain Weight (TGW) or Test weight: One thousand shelled maize grains from
each plot will randomly be taken, weighed and recorded as test weight and expressed in gram
(g). The kernels used for test weight will be corrected to 15% moisture content.
4.5.5. Shelling percentage: It is the ratio of grain to ear (grain: ear) and expressed in percentage.
Five randomly selected ears will be weighed with grains. All grains will be shelled out and the
weight of grain will be taken and the shelling percentage will calculated as:
 Grain yield (kg )
Shelling percentage = ×100
Cob yield (kg )
4.5.6. Grain moisture content (%): Ten ears will be selected randomly and central two kernel
rows will be shelled out and will bulk the kernels from all ears and moisture will be measured by
multigrain moisture meter.
4.5.7. Grain yield: Grain yield will be calculated on hectare basis by using following formulae:
FEW× SP ×( 100 - GMC)
Grain yield (Kg ha -1 )=
NHA ×85×10
Where,
FEW = filled ears weight (Kg) SP = shelling percentage (%)
GMC = grain moisture content at harvest (%) NHA = net harvested area (m2)

4.5.8. Stover yield: All maize stems will be harvested from the base from the net harvested area
and weighted immediately after harvesting. Husk is also included while taking Stover yield. Stover
yield will be calculated on hectare basis in Kg ha -1.

4.5.9. Harvest index and grain:stover ratio:

Harvest index (HI) will be computed by dividing economic yield with the biological yield as per the
following formula.
HI% = (economic yield × 100)/ biological yield
Grain:stover ratio will be calculated based on grain yield and stover yield.

Grain yield
Grain:stover ratio =
Stover yield

4.6.) Economic analysis:

4.6.1. Cost of cultivation:
Cost of cultivation will be calculated on the basis of local charges for different agro-inputs viz., labor,
fertilizer, herbicides, machines, and other necessary materials.

4.6.2. Gross return:

Economic yield (grain + stalk) will be converted into gross return (Rs/ha) on the basis of local market
prices of different commodities.

4.6.3. Net return

It will be calculated by deducting the cost of cultivation from the gross return.

4.6.4. B: C ratio: It will be calculated by following formula.

Benefit: Cost ratio = Gross return / Cost of cultivation (total cost
5) Expected Outcomes
 Identification of the optimum plant spacing for Rampur hybrid-10 in spring season may
increase the yield of the maize.
 Identification of the optimum dose of nitrogen fertilizer for spring maize may increase
the yield of the maize.

6) Work Schedule