Effects of Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Quantity and Quality of Forage Corn in Daregaz Region (Iran)

Subject Areas : Journal of Crop Ecophysiology

N. Saadatzadeh ¹ (Former MSc. Student of Agronomy, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran)
S.M. Nabavi Kalat ² (Assistant prof., Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran)
R. Bahari Kashani ³ (Assistant prof., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran)

Received: 2010-10-15 Accepted : 2011-05-02 Published : 2011-01-21

Keywords: Forage yield, dry matter, Crud protein, Ear weight,

Abstract :

In order to evaluate the effects of plant density and nitrogen on quantity and quality of forage corn an experiment was conducted in Daregaz region in cropping season 2008 – 2009. The experimental design was a split – plot based on randomized complete block with three replications. The main plots were four levels of nitrogen (0 , 75, 150 and 225 kg/ha) and sub plots were three levels of plant density (75000, 100000 and 125000 plant/ha). The results showed that increasing nitrogen levels and plant density, plant height, percentage crude protein and total protein production (ton/ha) were increased. By increasing plant density, stem diameter, leaf and ear weight decreased while they increased with increased nitrogen levels. The highest forage yield obtained at nitrogen level 150 kg/ha (46 ton/ha) and 100000 plant per hectare (40.27 ton/ha). The highest total protein production (7 ton/ha) obtained at nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha and plant density of 125000 plant/ha.