Two field experiments were conducted at a private farm at El-Salhiea City; Sharkia Governorate during two summer seasons of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and splitting application on maize plant (Zea mays L.) grown on sandy clay loam soil.
Ten treatments were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates; which were the simple possible combination between five treatments of N-fertilization, (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg N fed-1). Each N rate was divided to 1- two equal doses 50 and 50% which added after 14 and 48 day after sowing (DAS) and 2- four doses 40, 20, 20 and 20% added after 14, 28, 48, 56 DAS.
The maize plant growth parameter increased with increasing the nitrogen fertilizer rate and the superiority of fresh and dry weight of leaves ear and chlorophyll observed with 120 kgN fed-1.
100 grain weight, grain yield and straw yield increased with increasing the rate of N fertilizer up to 120 kg N fed-1. Treatment of 120 kg N fed-1 in four doses as 40, 20, 20 and 20% added after 14, 28, 48, and 56 DAS, recorded higher values of 100 grain weight, straw and grain yield of wheat.
Significant difference in N, P and K concentration in leaves and grain of maize plant were observed due to different levels and splitting of N application. In general, N, P and K% were increased with increasing the N fertilizers levels up to 120 kg N fed-1 with split to 2 doses, and 150 kg N fed-1 with split to 4 doses.
Under the same conditions of the experiment, it can be recommended to add the nitrogen fertilizer at 120 kg N fed-1 in four doses as 40, 20, 20 and 20% after 14, 28, 48, 56 DAS, which gave the best result of quantity and quality of the maize cultivated on sandy clay loam soil.