Yield, growth rate, and nutrient content of Corn (Zea mays L.)‎ Hybrids

Abstract EN

This field experiment was conducted at Al-Arroub Experimental Station in the growing season of 2000.

The aim of the experiment is to measure growth rate, ears production, yield composition, and nutrition demand of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids and collect data for scientifically based fertilizer recommendations for corn in agroclimatic conditions of the West Bank.

Local agricultural practices were adopted in the experiment testing four hybrids: Bright, Syrian, Royal, and Gobrolly.

Royal and Gobrolly developed more rapidly and gave higher yield of ears on kg per donum basis, the differences were 150-329 kg.

Bright had a longer growing season and gave the highest ear yield on kg per plant basis, but its low germination rate resulted in low production on kg per donum basis.

On soil with high content of available N-NO3, N-NH4 and K, and low to medium content of available P, fertigation at the rate of 4 kg N, 2 kg P, and 2 kg K per donum increased yield and improved quality of corncobs and stover.

Hybrid Gobrolly had highest nutrient demand and responded most positively on fertilization both by increasing yield and growth rate.

All tested hybrids had high nutrient requirements, and even in soil with built up mineral fertility, needed fertilization.