Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Rates on Growth, Quality and Economic Return of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field trial was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on forage production and quality and economic return of fodder maize cultivar Kissan. The experiment was conducted on silt loam soil at Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during 2011. Six nitrogen treatments (80, 120, 160, 200, 240 and 280 kg ha^-1) and a control one were studied in this trial. Growth and yield traits and quality such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area plant^-1, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, green fodder yield, dry matter yield, crude protein, crude fiber and ash percentage were significantly increased with increase nitrogen levels (200, 240, and 280 kg N ha^-1). However, highest benefit-cost ratio was estimated when 240 kg N ha^-1 was applied which was found best compromise between forage yield and quality for maize cultivar Kissan under the agro-climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The study also indicates that crude protein and mineral content in fodder maize can be improved through N application and complete reliance on protein and mineral supplements for farm livestock can be reduced.