Abstract

Growth indices are useful for interpreting plant reaction to environmental factors. To evaluate the beneficial impact of planting density and pattern on induced maize (Zea mays L. cul. Single-cross 704) by nitrogenous fertilizer, this research was conducted at Iran and the experimental design was a split factorial on the basis of completely randomized block design with four replications. The combination of nitrogenous fertilizer including 520, 400 and 280 kg urea ha^-1 were assigned to the main plots and the planting density (70000 and 90000 plant ha^-1) and the planting pattern treatment (one row and two rows planting) were factorially assigned to the subplots. Treatments significantly affected the total dry weight (TDW), leaf area index (LAI), relative growth rate (RGR) and crop growth rate (CGR). In this study, results showed that physiological growth indices were increased by high density, application of 520 kg urea ha^-1 and two rows planting. Consequently, our finding may give applicable advice to farmers and agricultural researchers for management and proper use of nitrogenous fertilizer in farming of maize under different planting density conditions.

Key words: Planting density, nitrogenous fertilizer, planting pattern, physiological growth indices, Zea mays L.