Study the effect of vetch (Vicia pannonica) as a first season sowing and green manure along with nitrogen fertilizer levels on forage maize yield

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Former M.Sc. Students, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

3 Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

To investigate the effect of vetch as a first season crop and green manure with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on forage maize yield (as a second crop) a research was conducted at research farm of agricultural and natural resources, the University of Tehran in the year 2012-2013. Experiment arranged as a double split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications with double crop cultivar (Vicia pannonica) and forage maize (Zea mays L.). The main plots consisted of pre-sowing treatments of a fallow plot, vetch as a forage as well as a green manure, and nitrogen fertilizer as a subplot at three levels (zero, 50% and 100 standard limits), the sub-sub plots included two vetch cultivars (i.e. Simon and ZP677). The results indicated that the forage maize dry weight in pre-sowing treatments of forage and green manure produced 26.6% and 22.8% than the fallow treatment, respectively. Likewise, the cob dry weight in pre-sowing treatments of forage and green manure provided 45.6% and 48.7% than the fallow treatment, respectively. The maize leaf dry weight was higher of about 15.8% and 20.9%, respectively in forage and green manure treatments in comparison to the fallow treatment. Overall, it can be inferred that with the increase of nitrogen in forage maize cultivation some of the characteristics of the forage are directly affected and cause significant changes in forage yield.

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