Title of Thesis

Production potential of maize as affected by intercropping, planting geometry, population dynamics and fertilizer management

Author(s)

Muhammad Asif Rafiq

Abstract
Investigations into production potential of maize (Zea maize L. cv. Pioneer 30-Y- 87) as affected by intercropping, planting geometry, population dynamics and fertilizer management was carried out at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in two field experiments during Kharif 2006 and 2007. Both experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with split arrangements. First experiment consisted of three nitrogen levels (150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1), two zinc levels (0 and 15 kg ha-1) and three population densities (57100, 71400, and 999000 plants ha-1). Fertilizers were kept in main plots and plant densities in sub-plots. Second experiment comprised of three intercropping systems i.e. maize alone, maize + mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) and maize + mashbean (Vigna mungo L.) and three planting geometries (70 cm apart single row planting, 105/35 cm apart paired row planting, and 140/35 cm apart three row planting, respectively), keeping planting geometries in main plots while intercropping systems in sub-plots. Sowing was done with the help of a dibbler to ensure desired plant population.The results of the experiments are briefly described as under.
In the first experiment, growth and development of maize crop was maximum with increase in nitrogen from 150 to 250 kg ha + 15 kg Zn ha-1 and consequently, yield (24 %) and yield components increased. LAI, LAD, and CGR increased with increasing plant populations. Although, yield components decreased with elevated plant densities yet grain yield increased due to more number of plants per unit area. In the second experiment, maize crop sown in double row strips proved superior to other planting geometries in terms of yield and yield components Although intercropping of legumes in maize reduced growth and development, yield components and finally the grain yield of maize, however additional benefits obtained from intercrops compensated more than the losses in maize production. The effect of planting geometries and intercropping systems was non-significant on grain quality of maize

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2.1 Introduction
2.2 Morphology
2.3 Plant density an important component of higher yield in maize
2.4 Relationship between nitrogen application and phenological development, growth, yield, and quality characteristics of hybrid maize
2.5 Plant density effect on plant growth
2.6 Interactive effect of fertilizer and plant density on growth and yield performance of maize
2.7 Crop productivity response to Zn fertilization
2.8 Intercropping and planting geometry interactive effect on performance of maize and associated intercrops

3.1 Experimental location
3.2 Experiment and Treatments
3.3 Observations
3.4 Procedures for recording data

4.1 Influence of different densities and fertilizer levels on maize yield
4.2 Effect of planting geometry on agro-physiological traits of maize-legume intercrops