Dry Matter Partitioning and Harvest Index of Maize Crop as Influenced by Integration of Sheep Manure and Urea Fertilizer

Abstract

The experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of sheep manure (SM), its application timing (AT) and N fertilizer (urea) on dry matter partitioning and harvest index. The study was conducted on RCBD split plots arrangement at Agronomic research farm during 2015. Sheep manure (SM1=3 t ha-1, SM2=4 t ha-1, SM3=5 t ha- 1) and application timing (AT1=15 days before sowing, AT2=At sowing time) were allotted to main plots however, fertilizer N (N1=0 kg ha-1, N2= 90 kg ha-1, N3=120 kg ha-1) were applied to sub-plots. Application of 5 t ha-1 of sheep manure at 15 days before sowing significantly enhanced pre-tasseling (stem and leaves) and physiological maturity (stem, leaves, cobs and grains) dry matter partitioning and harvest index. Pre-tassel and physiological maturity dry matter accumulation were higher with application of 120 kg N ha-1 however, Application of 5 t sheep manure ha-1 at 15 days before sowing and 120 kg N ha-1 was recommended for higher dry matter accumulation of maize crop.