Effects of Fertilizer Nitrogen on Dry Matter and Grain Yields of Hybrid Maize ( <i>Zea mays</i> L.) Varieties

Abstract

The annual decline in soil fertility poses a significant challenge to Ghana’s crop production. One of the greatest agronomic measures to enhance the production of hybrid maize is the use of appropriate nitrogen fertilizer rates, determined by the specific crop type and soil conditions. Studies were undertaken to assess the impact of different nitrogen levels on dry matter production, yield, and yield components of hybrid maize at Samreboi in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region, Ghana, in the minor and major seasons of 2022 and 2023, respectively. Three hybrid maize varieties (Ahuofe, Dzifoo, and Kunjor Wari) and four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha −1 ) were evaluated using a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The statistical program R Studio was utilized to examine the data on yield and yield components of maize. The treatment means were separated using a probability‐leveled Duncan multiple range test at 5%. The results indicated that yield and yield components of maize were significantly ( p &lt; 0.05) enhanced when the nitrogen level increased from 60 to 120 kg N ha −1 . Maximum yield traits such as number of grains per cob (510.53 ± 8.56 and 528.27 ± 8.77), plant biomass (12.95 ± 0.18 t ha −1 and 13.61 ± 0.10 t ha −1 ), grain yield (5.72 ± 0.04 and 5.80 ± 0.02 t ha −1 ), and harvest index (44.6 ± 0.42% and 42.7 ± 0.80%) were recorded for the minor and major seasons of 2022 and 2023, respectively. Raising nitrogen levels to 120 kg N ha −1 could optimize grain yield and yield components of hybrid maize in the research area and other related agroecological zones in Ghana.