Role of Tillage, Organic Amendments and Nitrogen in Enhancing Growth and Yield Components of Maize

Appropriate tillage and nitrogen management from a suitable source can play a vital role in the optimization of maize (Zea mays L.) production. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim of investigating the effect of tillage, organic matter sources, and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield components of maize. The field experiment was conducted in Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement with three replications. Tillage (deep and shallow) and organic matter sources (Control, Cattle manure, berseem, and wheat straw) were arranged in main plots, and nitrogen fertilizer (urea source) (0, 80, and 120 kg ha-1) was arranged in subplots. Deep tillage plots recorded higher results for grain ear-1, thousand grains weight, biological yield, grain yield, and grain nitrogen content compared to shallow tillage plots. Among organic sources, berseem residue plots improved yield and yield components of maize as compared to other organic matter sources. Plots fertilized by 120 kg N ha-1 increased grain ear-1, thousand grains weight, biological yield, grain yield, and grain nitrogen content as compared to lower levels. Based on experimental results, it was concluded that deep tillage, berseem residue incorporation, and 120 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer could help farmers increase maize production in the Peshawar valley.