Productivity and Economics of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) under different Fertilizer Doses in the Inner Terai Region of Nepal

Maize (Zea maysL.) varieties differ in their response to nutrient supply. Optimum fertilizer dose is necessary to explore the yield potential of a variety. Afield experiment was conducted at Rampur, Chitwan, during winter season of 2012/13 and 2013/14 to study the productivity of hybrid maize RML-32 X RML-17 to different level of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Treatment factors -1-1included two levels of potash (40 and 60 kg KO ha) and phosphorus (60 and 90 kg POha) and 225-1-2-1four levels of nitrogen (120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N ha). Number of ears m, kernel rows ear, kernels -1-1row, grain and stover yield hawere increased with increased nitrogen levels. Increased phosphorus doses significantly decreased days to 50% tasselling and silking. Soil analysis results indicated that increased N and Pdoses had increased available N, Pand soil organic matter, but -1-1decreased soil pH. The highest mean grain yield of 9.35 t hawas obtained when 200 kg N ha-1-1applied with 60:40 PO:KO kg ha. Application of 200:60:40 kg N: POKO hagave the highest net 25225 :2-1returns of Rs 1,34,696 hawith the highest benefit cost ratio of 1.9. Farmers of Chitwan are -1suggested to apply 200:60:40 N:PO:KO kg hafor grain production of hybrid maize RML-32 × 252RML-17