Economic evaluation of grain maize (zea mays l.) under varied plant densities and nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2013 at College farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad with three plant densities 66,666 plants ha-1, 88,888 plants ha-1 and1,11,111 plants ha-1 and four nitrogen levels 120 kg ha-1, 180 kg ha-1, 240 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1. The results revealed that population density of 88,888 plants ha-1 was found to be economical with higher grain yield (7597 kg ha-1), stover yield (9929 Kg ha-1) with high net return (Rs. 65,476 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.9) but it was onpar with 1,11,111 plants ha-1. However population density of 66,666 plants ha-1 recorded more dry matter production per plant. Application of 300 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (8, 425 Kg ha-1), stover yield (10,638 Kg ha-1), net return (Rs 75,982) and B:C ratio (3.2) over 120 kg N ha-1 and 180 kg N ha-1. However, grain (8349 Kg ha-1) and stover yield (10525 Kg ha-1), net return (Rs 75233) and B:C ratio (3.2) obtained at 240 kg N ha-1 were on par with 300 kg N ha-1.