Exploring the varietal responses of maize to nitrogen fertilization and understanding growth dynamics

Abstract

Maize productivity, heavily reliant on nitrogen availability, is vital for Indonesian small-scale farmers. Rahayu et al.(20210 found limited effects of organic fertilizers  on tambin-local variety, which remains a popular variety among farmers. This study aims to address the knowledge gap regarding varietal responses to nitrogen fertilization and growth dynamics in maize. Using a split-plot randomized  complete block design, nitrogen levels,  (0,46,138, ad 184 Kg N ha^-1) and maize varieties ( BISI 18-Hybrid,Sukmaraga-Composite, Tambin-local) were allocated . Key physiological  and growth dynamics variables  were observed.  Significant effects of maize varieties and nitrogen levels were observed  on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), at V6, and  number of leaves  at R1. Local and  hybrid varieties performed  better in LAI under 184 Kg N ha^-1, while the composite variety excelled under 138 Kg N ha^-1. Dry  matter accumulation  varied across varieties, with the local variety excelling  at 184 kg N ha^-1.  This study sheds light on the interaction  between maize varieties and nitrogen fertilization, emphasizing the adaptive nature of certain varieties ,especially the tambin-local  variety, to varying nutrient levels.