Light interception and yield of some maize varieties grown in a double-row pattern under different urea applications

Abstract

To increase light interception in maize by improving the population density using a double-row pattern planting often causes difficulty in applying fertilizers. This study aimed to assess the light interception and yield of some maize hybrid varieties treated with and without a third application of urea fertilizer. The varieties tested were NK7328, BISI18, BISI2, and P35. The first application of urea was performed at planting, the second at 35 days after planting (DAP), and the third at 56 DAP. The experiment was conducted in an arid area with a sandy loam soil in the North Lombok region. Spacing for the double-row pattern was 35 × 20 cm2 within a double row and 70 cm between double rows, resulting in approximately 98,000 plants/ha. The results showed that light interception was significantly affected by the variety of maize but not by the third-time application of urea, being the highest (96.7%) in NK7328 and the lowest (92.0%) in BISI18. The yield was significantly affected by both the variety and the third application of urea. The highest yielding variety was P35 (9.7 ton/ha), followed by NK 7328 (9.5 ton/ha), BISI18 (8.8 ton/ha), and BISI2 (8.2 ton/ha). The third-time application of urea in a high maize population density improved the yield by 21%.