Maize response to time and rate of nitrogen application

To find out effective use of nitrogen (n) in autumn planted maize (zea mays l.) hybrid,a field experiment was conducted during 2009 at agronomic research area,university of agriculture,faisalabad. three n split application timings depending upon various development stages were kept in main plots and five rates of n; n1 (100 kg ha -1),n2 (150 kg ha -1),n3 (200 kg ha -1),n4 (250 kg ha -1) and n5 (300 kg ha -1) were randomized in sub plots. results revealed that maximum plant growth,number of kernels per cob (419) and grain yield (8.27 t ha -1) were recorded in n4 treatment. contrary maximum days to maturity (103.3 days) and biological yield (16.56 t ha -1) were recorded in n5 treatment. based on the results,it was concluded that application of n in three split (at v2,v16 and r1 stage) @ 250 kg ha -1 can be recommended for achieving optimum grain yield under semi arid environment of pakistan.