Production Potential and Nutrient Uptake of Quality Protein Maize Hybrid as Influenced by Nitrogen and Sulphur Fertilization

Field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive kharif season of 2009-10 and 2010-11 on sandy loam soil of Varanasi to assess the production potential and nutrient uptake of quality protein maize hybrid with the application of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur in dryland condition of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and replicated thrice, in which main plot were allotted four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha) and two quality protein maize hybrid (Shaktiman 2 and Shaktiman 4) and three levels of sulphur (15, 30 and 45 kg S/ha) in sub-plots. Results revealed that growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics of quality protein maize hybrid was significantly increased with application of increasing levels of nitrogen and sulphur up to 150 kg N/ha. Application of 45 kg S/ha obtained highest grain yield during 1st and 2nd years, respectively over 15 kg S/ha. The highest gross return was also recorded under the same treatments. Hence, it may be concluded that quality protein hybrid Shaktiman 4 along with 150 kg N applied/ha with 45 kg S/ha recorded significantly highest yield and gross income under dryland conditions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.