Effects of Nitrogen Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Low-Nitrogen-Tolerant Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
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Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa whose productivity is strongly influenced by nitrogen (N) availability. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of nitrogen fertilizers among smallholder farmers necessitate the identification of maize varieties capable of producing reasonable yields under reduced nitrogen input. This study evaluated the effects of different nitrogen rates on the yield and yield components of low-nitrogen-tolerant maize varieties. Six maize varieties (M0926-6, M0926-9, M1026-10, OBA 98, SUWAN-1-SX, and OBA SUPER 2) were evaluated during the 2012 cropping season at two locations: the Teaching and Research Farm of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Opeji), and MATKIS Farm, Eruwa, Oyo State, Nigeria. Four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg N ha⁻¹) were applied using urea. The experiment consisted of a factorial combination of variety × nitrogen rate × location (6 × 4 × 2) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on cob yield, grain yield, 100-grain weight, stover yield, and harvest index. The results showed that location significantly influenced most yield parameters, with higher cob yield (2599 kg ha⁻¹), grain yield (1348 kg ha⁻¹), and 100-grain weight (15.74 g) recorded at Opeji compared with Eruwa. Interaction effects of nitrogen rate, variety, and location significantly affected cob and grain yield. The highest cob yield (2239 kg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (1901 kg ha⁻¹) were obtained with the application of 30 kg N ha⁻¹ to variety M1026-10 at Opeji, while the highest grain yield at Eruwa (1490 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded with application of 30 kg N ha⁻¹ to M0926-9. The results indicate that moderate nitrogen application combined with suitable maize varieties can enhance yield and yield components under low-nitrogen conditions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Soyinka K. O., Okonta, H. O. (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Soyinka K. O., Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production,
College of Plant Science and Crop Production,
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Okonta, H. O., Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production,
College of Plant Science and Crop Production,
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
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