Influence of Hydrated Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4.2H2O) and Nitrogen Levels on Water Infiltration Rate and Maize Varieties Productivity in Rainfed Area of Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Departmental Maize SMP and Demonstration Plots in all Circles Of district Swat during summer 2014. To study the response of maize to hydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H₂O) and nitrogen levels and to enhance the water infiltration rate in rainfed areas of swat. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement. Data were recorded on days to tasseling, days to silking, ear length, grain ear^-1, thousand grains weight (g) and grain yield (kg ha^-1). Statistical analysis of the data showed that the effect of nitrogen and hydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H₂O) on grains ear^-1 was not significant. The effect of nitrogen and hydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H₂O) on days to tasseling, days to silking, ear length (cm), thousand grains weight (g) and grains yield (kg ha^-1) were significant. The effect of varieties was significant on all parameters. Higher grain yield (1819 kg ha^-1) and thousand grains weight (279 g) were recorded with the application of 120-40 kg NS ha^-1. Delayed days to tasseling (58.8) and silking (63.5) were observed at 200-0 kg NS ha^-1. Higher days to tasseling (57.6 days), silking (63.5 days), thousand grains weight (278 g) and grain yield (1730 kg ha^-1) were recorded in Pahari variety while Baber variety produced higher grains (422) ear^-1 and ear length(15.9 cm).  40-120 kg NS ha^-1 produced high yield.