In crop production, major production variables that a producer can manipulate to influence the production of a given crop are agronomic practices, fertilizer levels and plant spacing require special attention in the changing climatic condition. This study aimed to establish appropriate plant spacing and NPK levels. The following treatments were used: plant spacing (P1 70 cm x 20 cm; P2 60 cm x 25 cm; P3 60 cm x 20 cm) were used as the main treatments and the NPK levels (F1 100-40-20 kg ha-1; F2 130-40-20 kg ha-1; F3 160-40-20 kg ha-1; F4 100-40-60 kg ha-1; F5 130-40-60 kg ha-1; F6 160-40-60 kg ha-1) were utilized as sub-treatments. Standard conventional procedure in corn production (land preparation, irrigation, weeding and pest management) (planting and fertilizer application is based on the treatments procedure) was followed throughout the duration of the study. Results of the study showed that there was significant interaction effect of plant height, ear height, ear length, and ear diameter, ear harvest per plot, kernel row per ear, number of kernels per ear, the weight of 1000 kernels on growth and yield of high protein corn. Based on the results of the study, plant spacing of 60 cm x 25 cm and 60 cm x 20 cm and NPK levels at the rate of 130-40-60 kg NP2O5K2O ha-1 and 160 – 40 – 60 kg NP2O5K2O ha-1 increased growth and yield parameters (plant stand at harvest, plant height, days to tasseling, ear height, ear harvest per plant, kernel row per ear, number of kernels per row, ear length, weight of 1000 kernels, computed kernel yield and shelling recovery) gave significant effects on the high protein corn. Application of fertilizer combinations during the crop production was effective which contributed to the increased yield.

Keywords: plant spacing, NPK levels, high protein corn, climate change