Exploring the varietal responses of maize to nitrogen fertilization and understanding growth dynamics

Abstract

Maize productivity, reliant on nitrogen availability, is crucial for the Indonesian economy. Previous research found organic fertilizers had minimal effects on the Local variety ‘Tambin’, widely used by smallscale farmers. This study explored varietal responses to nitrogen fertilization using a split-plot randomized complete design with four nitrogen rates (0, 46, 138, and 184 kg N ha−1) as main plots, and maize varieties (Hybrid ‘BISI-18’, Composite ‘Sukumaraga’, and Local ‘Tambin’) as sub-plots. Results showed significant effects of nitrogen rates and maize varieties on growth variables (plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves). The ‘Tambin’ variety performed best at 138 kg N ha−1, with higher plant heights, while Hybrid ‘BISI-18’ and Composite ‘Sukumaraga’ showed the greatest increases in height and stem diameter at 46 kg N ha−1.