Effect of Different Nitrogen Rates and Plant Densities on Corn Growth, Yield, and Weed Composition in Laghman Province

Obaidurahman  Zahid; Samiullah Safi; Jamal Tanha

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v2iSpecial.Issue.112

Authors

Obaidurahman Zahid Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Laghman University, Afghanistan
Samiullah Safi Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Laghman University, Afghanistan
Jamal Tanha Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Laghman University, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v2iSpecial.Issue.112

Keywords:

Corn, Laghman Province, Nitrogen Rate, Plant Densities, weeds, Growth, Yield

Abstract

Applying sufficient nitrogen is a key factor for plant growth and yield development. A field study was conducted in 2022 at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty, Laghman University, to assess the effects of two planting densities, D1 (75 cm x 20 cm) and D2 (65 cm x 20 cm), and four nitrogen rates, N1 (120 kg N/ha), N2 (140 kg N/ha), N3 (160 kg N/ha), and N4 (180 kg N/ha), on the growth and yield parameters of the corn variety GWG888, as well as on weed composition. Results showed that both nitrogen rates and planting densities significantly affected corn growth, yield, and weed composition. Plant height, leaf count, cob count, cob length, and dry matter yield were maximized with a nitrogen rate of 160 kg N/ha (N3). Meanwhile, the highest weed species diversity and population were observed at 180 kg N/ha (N4). The higher planting density (65 cm x 20 cm) reduced plant height and leaf number but significantly increased dry matter yield. These findings suggest that the optimal nitrogen rate for improved corn growth and yield in Laghman Province is 160 kg N/ha with a planting density of 75 cm x 20 cm.

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