Abstract

In this research we studied the role of humic acid and nitrogen in improving the phenology, growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Field experiment was carried out at the New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar during Autumn 2011. Zea mays L. cultivar, Azam was sown. Two factors were studied using three levels of humic acid (1.5, 3 and 4.5 kg ha^-1) and four levels of nitrogen (80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha^-1). Humic acid was applied at sowing time whereas 1/3^rd nitrogen at sowing time, and 1/3^rd at 4-5 leaf stage and remaining 1/3^rd at tasseling stage in comparison with control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having four replications. Non-significant parameter was emergence m^-2 while significant were days to silking, thousand grain weight, grain yield and grain per ear. Days to silking was delayed with increase in levels of humic acid and nitrogen. Humic acid levels significantly increased grains ear^-1 and grain yield ha^-1 with 3 kg HA ha^-1 while no effect was observed in thousand grains weight. Nitrogen increased grains ear¹, thousand grains weight (g) and grains yield ha^-1 at the rate of 160 kg N ha^-1 as compared to other levels and control. Hence it is concluded that 3 kg HA ha^-1 and 160 kg N ha^-1 gave significant results.

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