EFFECT OF PLANTING METHODS, SEED DENSITY AND NITROGEN PHOSPHORUS (NP) FERTILIZER LEVELS ON SWEET CORN (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting methods, seed density and nitrogen phosphorus (NP) fertilizer levels on emergence m-2 growth and grain yield of sweet corn. The fertilizer and interaction of fertilizer x seed density had significant negative effect with increasing level while seed density had a positive effect with increased density on emergence per m2. Increased seed density significantly reduced plant growth which increased with application of higher fertilizer dose. The grain yield was improved by ridge planting methods, increased seed density and increased fertilizer levels. The highest grain yield (3,553.50 kg ha-1) of sweet corn plants was recorded in ridge planting method with highest NP fertilizer level of 300:150 kg ha-1 and 4 seeds hill-1. The lowest grain yield (3,493.75 kg ha-1) of sweet corn was observed in flat sowing planting method with 120:75 NP level and 2 seeds hill-1 seed density. The ridge planting rank first then furrow and flat planting methods on basis of grain yield per hectare. The sweet corn plant yield was high with 4 seeds hill-1 compared with 2 seeds hill-1.