Abstract

The effect of four nitrogen levels {0 kg N ha^-1 (N₀), 50 kg N ha^-1 (N₁), 100 kg N ha^-1 (N₂) and 150 kg N ha^-1 (N₃)} two QPM hybrids {Shaktiman-2 (G₁) and Shaktiman-4 (G₂)} and three levels of sulphur { 15 kg S ha^-1 (S₁), 30 kg S ha^-1 (S₂) and 45 kg S ha^-1 (S₃)} in quality protein maize (QPM) production for two years on an experimental field (Sandy clay loam) located at Agricultural Dryland Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Each treatment was replicated three times in split plot design. The aim of research was to determine the influence of nitrogen and sulphur levels on yield, quality and economics of QPM hybrids under dryland condition.The significantly highest plant height, leaf area index (LAI), yield, net returns, benefit: cost ratio (B: C), lysine and tryptophan content were recorded with 150 kg N ha^-1 (N₁₅₀) as compared to N₁₀₀, N₅₀ and N₀. On average QPM hybrids, Shaktiman-4 produced significantly taller plant (171.68cm), higher LAI (5.49), grain yield (60.54 q ha^-1), net return (Rs. 36246.01 ha^-1), B: C ratio (2.22), tryptophan content (0.77%) and lysine content (3.88) than Shaktiman-2. Sulphur analysis also recorded that the significantly taller plant (173.88cm), highest LAI (5.58), grain yield (61.67q ha^-1), net returns (` 37943.30 ha^-1), B: C ratio (2.25), tryptophan content (0.78%) and lysine content (3.88) were recorded under 45 kg S ha^-1 and lowest were recorded at 15 Kg S ha^-1. Interaction effect of N₁₅₀ × S₄₅ obtained significantly taller plant (197.00cm), higher LAI (6.71), grain yield (69.14 q ha^-1), net return (Rs. 56075.52 ha^-1), B: C ratio (2.68), tryptophan content (0.83%) and lysine content (3.99) than N₃ x S₁. Result revealed that, interaction effect of Shaktiman- 4× S₄₅ obtained significantly taller plant (177.68cm), higher LAI (5.79), grain yield (62.35 q ha^-1), net return (Rs. 39825.09 ha^-1), B: C ratio (2.26), tryptophan content (0.79%) and lysine content (3.91) than Shaktiman-2× S₁₅.

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