COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MAIZE HYBRID PERFORMANCE AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN THE BURNAS PLAIN UNDER DIFFERENTIAL FERTILIZATION

Abstract

A two-factor field experiment was carried out in 2024 on Chernozem soil in the Burnas Plain, under irrigated conditions, to evaluate several maize hybrids subjected to differential fertilization. The study included the hybrids MAS DM5332, GIRO, P450, P710, DKC 5810, and DKC 5709. The fertilization factor (Factor B) consisted of five treatments: b1 – unfertilized control (M); b2 – 40 t/ha poultry manure (O); b3 – 20 t/ha cattle manure combined with 111 kg/ha NPK 20:20:0 (O+NPK); b4 – 222 kg/ha NPK 20:20:0 (NPK); and b5 – 310 kg/ha urea (U). The parameters assessed were grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels per ear, and harvest index. The results indicated that all fertilized treatments produced higher yields than the unfertilized control; however, only three of these increases were statistically significant. Moreover, fertilization resulted in a highly significant improvement in 1000-kernel weight, demonstrating the positive influence of nutrient management on maize productivity components.