Influence of Plant Population and NPSB Blended Fertilizer Rates on Yield Parameters and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Bako, Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is ranked number one in total production among food grains and is inevitable in achieving food security in Ethiopia. In spite of good agro-climatic conditions and soils, maize productivity is constrained by a number of problems; optimum plant population and nutrient management are the most critical among many others. Hence, this field experiment was carried out in split plot design distributing three levels of plant population 53, 333 plants/ha, 66, 666 plants/ha, and 76923 plants/ha in the main plots and five levels of NPSB fertilizer rates 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg/ha in sub-plots comparing with NP recommended rates in the research area. The two main effects, the plant population and NPSB rate did not change cob length, number of row cob⁻¹ and harvest index. The analysis of variance showed the interaction of plant population and NPSB rates influenced number of kernels cob⁻¹, thousand kernel weight, number of cobs per plot and above ground biomass. Highest number of cob plot⁻¹ was recorded from the plot with 66, 666 plants ha⁻¹ and highest biological yield 28299 kg/ha was harvested from the plot with standard check. The highest grain yield was obtained from 150 kg/ha with the plant population of 66666 plants/ha (60 cm × 25 cm). From the research it was concluded that the yield of maize was significantly affected by fertilizer rates and plant population, the combination of 66, 666 plant/ha and 150 kg/ha of NPSB fertilizer rate was found to be superior and economically viable for maze production in the study area and similar agro ecologies.

Highest plant population treatment of 76923 plants ha⁻¹ (65 cm × 20 cm) has produced the highest grain yield.

Application of NPSB blended fertilizer significantly improved the grain yield and yield components of maize, highest grain yield of 9717 kg ha⁻¹ was recorded from the application of 150 kg/ha of NPSB fertilizer with N 92 kg ha⁻¹ in split application.

Optimum plant population of 66, 666 plants ha⁻¹ (60 cm × 25 cm spacing) with optimum amount of 150kg NPSB fertilizer substantially enhanced yield and yield components of maize at Bako.