Genotypic Differences in the Economic Analysis of Maize “Hybrid” Vs. “Local Cultivars” Applied with Variable Rates of Different Nitrogenous Fertilizer Sources.

Genotypic Differences in the Economic Analysis of Maize “Hybrid” vs. “Local Cultivars” Applied with Variable Rates of Different Nitrogenous Fertilizer Sources Dr. Amanullah (PhD Agronomy) Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Dryland Research Institute, West Texas A&M University, Canyon-Texas, USA Corresponding Author: Amanullah, Email: draman_agronomist@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is one the most important factor affecting maize (Zea mays L.) growth, yield and net returns. To investigate impact of N levels (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and sources [urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and ammonium sulphate (AS)] on the economic analysis of maize genotypes (Azam, Jalal and Pioneer-3025), field experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province) Agricultural University, Peshawar, during summer 2008. The results indicated that among the N-fertilizer sources, the highest net returns (NR) (Rs.16262 ha-1) were obtained with CAN, but the highest VCR (value cost ratio) of 3.7 was noticed with urea. Among the various N levels, the highest NR (Rs.15219 ha-1) and VCR (3.3) was obtained with 150 and 50 kg N ha-1, respectively. Among the genotypes, the highest NR (Rs.20527 ha-1) and VCR (2.9) was calculated for the plots sown with the maize hybrid, the Pioneer-3025. Application of urea at the two higher (150 and 200 kg N ha-1), CAN at the two medium (100 and 150 kg N ha-1) and AS at the two lower N rates (50 and 100 kg N ha-1) were more economical in terms of net returns. The hybrid, Pioneer-3025 showed good response to all three sources of N-fertilizers as compared to the two local cultivars. The highest NR from Pioneer-3025 sown plots was obtained when applied with CAN. At all the four levels of N, the performance of Pioneer-3025 was too good than Jalal and Azam. Application of the highest rate of 200 kg N ha-1 to both local cultivars, the Jalal and Azam was not economical. It is suggested that the prices of N-fertilizers should be fixed on the basis of amount of N present in a bag rather than the whole bag. It is injustice with the farmers of the study area to buy a bag of AS (21 % N) and CAN (26 % N) at a higher price than urea which contain more N (46 %). The decrease in the current higher prices of AS and CAN will not only decrease farmer’s cost of production on one hand but it could definitely increase the yield, seed quality as well as net returns. Farmers of the study area who are not interested to use maize hybrids should be encouraged to use the hybrids, and if possible the government should provide the hybrid seeds to the farmers on subsidized rates. Growing maize hybrids will at least double maize production in the province which will increase food security and enhance grower’s income. Key words: maize, Zea mays L., genotypes, N levels, N source, economic analysis