Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Growth of Rabi Maize

The improper tillage operations and irrational nitrogen fertilizer application has become a major threat to soil health resulting in environmental problems. Soil tillage practices suitable for agroecological region along with optimum nitrogen fertilizer application is a prerequisite for proper growth and higher yields of maize. In this study field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 to detect combined effect of tillage systems (zero tillage-ZT, reduced tillage-RT and conventional tillage-CT) and nitrogen fertilization levels (75% N, 100% N and 125% N) on growth and yield of rabi maize succeeding soybean. Growth parameters including dry matter production, SPAD readings, CGR and AGR at different growth stages of crop are significantly highest with convention tillage compared to reduced and zero tillage. Similarly, among N fertilization levels, 125% N application showed higher growth parameters which is on par with 100% N and lower growth with 75% N application. Hence conventional or reduced tillage with 100% N may be followed for proper growth, yield and economic benefits.