Levels of nitrogen and depths of irrigation on the production of green corn

Abstract

To study the effects of different levels of nitrogen and depths of irrigation on the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) cultivar BR-126, a field experiment was conducted at the Centro National de Pesquisa de Milho e Sorgo (CNPMS) of (EMBRAPA) at Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil. The study consisted of four irrigation treatments (depths equivalents to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of real evapotranspiration) and six nitrogen subtreatments (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg/ha). A split plot randomized block design with four replications was adopted for the experiment. The nitrogen was applied in the form of urea, 1/3 at the time of sowing and the rest 49 days after sowing. The irrigation system utilized was the closed furrow procedure. Weight and number of commercial cobs/ha were the parameter studied. Considering the effects of different depths of irrigation and levels of nitrogen, on the production of green corn, an application of 120kg N/ha and a depth of irrigation equivalent to 50% of real evapotranspiration may be recommended under similar conditions, although the economic aspects involved need to be analized.