World Applied Sciences Journal 15 (12): 1780-1785, 2011

ISSN 1818-4952
© IDOSI Publications, 2011

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Chlorophyll Content and Other

Leaf Indicate in Three Cultivars of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Saeid Hokmalipour and Maryam Hamele Darbandi

Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract: The study was carried out in order to explore the responses of nitrogen fertilizer on chlorophyll
content and other leaf indicates in three cultivars of maize, a split plot experiment based on randomized complete
block design with three replications was conducted in research field of Islamic Azad University, Ardabil branch,
Ardabil, Iran, in 2009. Factors were: nitrogen levels in main plots (0, 60, 120 and 180 Kg N ha 1) and maize
cultivars in sub plots (Kenez410, Korduna and Konsur). Results showed that chlorophyll content, leaf area
index, leaf dry weight and kernel yield were affected by maize cultivars and nitrogen fertilizer levels. Whit
increasing nitrogen levels, chlorophyll significantly increased. Interaction effect of cultivars and nitrogen
fertilizer levels showed that cultivar of korduna had highest value of chlorophyll content at ear leaf. Cultivar
of korduna had highest value of leaf area, leaf dry weight and kernel yield in all levels of nitrogen fertilizer levels.
Maximum of those traits were obtained at Korduna×180kg N ha 1. Therefore results showed that cultivar of
Korduna have more potential for many traits. Thus, it can be suggested that use korduna cultivar with 180 kg
N/ha levels.

Key words: Chlorophyll content Corn cultivars Kernel yield Leaf area and Nitrogen fertilizer

INTRODUCTION compounds that plays a major role in photosynthetic

activity and crop yield capacity [4] and its deficiency
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important constitutes one of the major yield limiting factors for
cereal crops of the world extensively grown in irrigated cereal production [5]. McCullough et al. [6] reported that
and rain fed areas [1]. It ranks the third position among new maize hybrids were more tolerant than earlier hybrids
cereal crops after wheat and rice, which ranked as first and to limited N supply during the early vegetative phase with
the second, respectively. Increasing maize production respect to rate of leaf appearance, photosynthesis,
became one of most important goals of the world to face stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll content.
the human and animal demands. Maize is multipurpose Nitrogen is part of the enzymes associated with
crop and provides food for human beings, fodder for live chlorophyll synthesis [7] and the chlorophyll
stock and feed for poultry. It has great nutritional value as concentration reflects relative crop N status and yield
it contain about 66.70% starch, 10% protein, 4.8% oil, level [8]. Leaf area influence the interception and
8.5% fiber, 3% sugar and 7% ash [2]. This could be utilization of solar radiation of maize crop canopies and,
achieved through following the proper management consequently, maize kernel yield. Rate of leaf expansion,
systems which could lead to maximize its productivity. maximum leaf area and rate of leaf senescence are
Growing new high yielding varieties under the most important factors in the estimation of canopy
favorable cultural practices such as the application of the photosynthesis in crop growth simulation models. Leaf
needed nutrients is considered as one of the successful area is influenced by genotype, plant population climate
ways. The highest maize yield production depended on and soil fertility.
many factors i.e. cultivars and nitrogen fertilization [3]. The aim of this research was to realize effect of
Nitrogen fertilizer is a key nutrient in the production of nitrogen fertilizer levels on chlorophyll content and other
non legume crops. It is a component in many biological leaf indicate in three cultivars of Maize in Ardabil region.

Corresponding Author: Saeid Hokmalipour, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.
Tel: +989143550310.
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MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This experiment was conducted in research field of Varietal Differences: Results showed that chlorophyll
Islamic Azad University, Ardabil branch, Ardabil, Iran, in content, leaf area index, leaf dry weight and kernel yield
2009. The climate is semi-arid. It has 1350 meters altitude each differed significantly (P<0.01) among the three maize
from sea level. The soil was loamy-sand textured, pH was hybrids (Table 2). Data also indicated that Korduna gave
about 7.2 and the preceding crop was wheat in the two the highest values of chlorophyll content, leaf area, leaf
seasons. Results of soil analysis samples were taken from dry weight and kernel yield with high significant
the surface 30 are presented in Table 1.This investigation differences compared attributed to differences in the
was arranged as split-plot experiment based on the genetic constitution of the tested varieties. Similar results
randomized complete block design with three replications. were also reported by Mehasen and Alfageh [10].
Moreover, it is clear from Table 3 Koruna significantly
Main-plots were assigned to nitrogen levels (0, 60, 120
surpassed the other hybrids in maximum chlorophyll and
and 180 kg ha 1) and sub-plots to corn cultivars
maximum leaf area index. Maximum chlorophyll content in
(Kenez410, Korduna and Konsur). Each sub-plot included
ear leaf (29.4 SPAD-units) and minimum of this trait (26.75
five rows which their length and spaces from each other
SPAD-units) was obtained in Korduna and Konsur
were 5 and 0.75 meters. Planting date was on 5 May in
cultivars receptivity. Kebez40 has middle (32.16)
2009 growing season. Three kernels were hand planted at
chlorophyll content. Also kordona and Konsur have
depth of 3 to 5 cm in each hill. Phosphorus fertilizer was maximum (7.09) and minimum of leaf area index (3.72).
applied before planting at the rate of 80 kg/ha super Some experiments have shown that a LAI between 3 and
phosphate triple (44 % P2O5). Plots were hand-thinned at 4 may be optimal for achieving maximum yield [11].
the 3-4 leaf stage to one plant per hill. Hand hoeing twice Results showed that kernels yield was significantly
was done for controlling weeds before the first and affected by nitrogen cultivars at 1% probably (Table 2).
second irrigations. Nondestructive chlorophyll Korduna, Kenez410 and Konsur significantly produced
measurements were performed using a chlorophyll meter maximum kernels yield, respectively. Values of yield were
(SPAD-CMM 200) at five stages (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 day 5876.2, 4763 and 4098.75 kg for above cultivars,
after Silking) according to the method described by Dwyer respectively. Maximum yield belonged to Korduna
et al. [9]. Average of thirty chlorophyll meter readings of cultivar at 180 kg N ha 1 and differences between were
the ear leaf were taken in each plot using a portable greater for it (Figure 7).
chlorophyll meter. In order to measure yield, plants of
middle rows of each plot randomly were harvested in the Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer: Data presented in Tables 2
surface of 2.5 m2 at the physiological maturity. Ears were showed that ear leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area index,
husked, dried and weighed. To determine leaf area index leaf dry weight and kernel weight were significantly
in each sampling stage, leaves area of samples were affected by Nitrogen fertilizer levels. It was noticed that
estimated by leaf area meter. Data were subjected to maximum values of ear leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area
analysis by the SAS software and graphs were drawn index, leaf dry weight and kernel weight were obtained
using Excel program. Minimum
Maximum
Precipitati
Table 1: The analysis of Physico-chemical properties of the soil. 30 40
K ( PPm) 355.2 35
25
Precipitation (mm)

P (PPm) 29.9
30
Tempreature (°C)

(%T.N.) 0.02 20
(% Os ) 0.2
25
Tex (%) Clay-loam 15 20
Sand (%) 21 15
10
Silt (%) 44 10
Clay (%) 35 5
5
Sp (%) 54
0 0
PH 7.7
Apr-May May-Jun June-July July-Aug
EC (M mhos) 1.37
Sampling depth (cm) 0-30 Fig. 1: Maximum and minimum temprature and
precipitation rate at growth season

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Kenez410 Konsur Korduna

29 31
2-1) 29 2-2)
27
25 27
25
23
23
21
21
19
19
17 17
15 15

Fig. 2: Chlorophyll changes as affected by maize cultivars at 1-2) 0 kg N/ha, 2-2) 60 kg N/ha, 3-2) 120 kg N/ha and 4-2)
180 kg N/ha.
Korduna (Observed) Kenez410 (Observed) Konsur (Observed)
Korduna (Estimaited) Kenez410 (Estimaited) Konsur (Estimaited)

3.5 5.0
3-1) 3-2)
4.5
3.0
4.0
2.5 3.5
3.0
2.0
2.5
1.5
y = -0.0908x2 + 1.1755x - 0.7528 2.0 y = -0.1144x2 + 1.4662x - 0.9371
R2 = 0.9624
R2 = 0.9584
1.0 1.5 y = -0.1112x2 + 1.3753x - 0.8342
y = -0.0849x + 1.0926x - 0.6929
2

R = 0.9586
2
1.0 R2 = 0.9472

0.5 y = -0.0847x2 + 1.055x - 0.6992

y = -0.1186x2 + 1.5464x - 0.977
0.5 R2 = 0.9607
R2 = 0.9607

0.0 0.0

5.5
5.0 3-3)
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
y = -0.1378x2 + 1.7521x - 1.1368
2.0 R2 = 0.9576

1.5 y = -0.1297x2 + 1.6223x - 1.0363

R2 = 0.9389
1.0 y = -0.1414x2 + 1.8387x - 1.152

0.5 R2 = 0.967

0.0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Day after planting

Fig. 3: Leaf area index trend changes as affected by maize cultivars at 1-3) 0 kg N/ha, 2-3) 60 kg N/ha, 3-3) 120 kg N/ha
and 4-3) 180 kg N/ha.

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Konsur Kenez410 Korduna Konsur Kenez410 Korduna

45 450
a
a
40 400
b
350 b

Leaf dry weight (gr/m2)

35 c c
ed c c
ef 300 c
Chlorophyll (SPAD)

30 fg
fgh fgh gh gh
h 250 d
25 ed
ef ed efg
20 200 g fg
15 150

10 100

5 50

0 0
0 60 120 180 0 60 120 180
Nitrogen fertilizer levels (kg N/ha) Nitrogen fertilizer levels (kg N/ha)

Fig. 4: Maximum chlorophyll (SPAD) as affected by Fig. 6: Leaf dry weight as affected by cultivar and
cultivar and nitrogen fertilizer levels fertilizer levels nitrogen
Konsur Kenez410 Korduna Control 60 kg N/ha 120 kg N/ha 180 kg N/ha
6 8000
a
b b 7000 b a
5 c c c
d d d
e 6000
kernel yield (kg/ha)

e
Leaf area index

4 f f
5000 g
g h
h j i i
3 i 4000 k

3000
2
2000
1
1000

0 0
0 60 120 180 Kenez410 Korduna Konsur
Nitrogen fertilizer levels (kg N/ha) Cultivar
Fig. 5: Maximum Leaf area as affcted by cultivar and Fig. 7: Interaction effect of nitrogen levels and cultivars
levels index changes on kernel yield

from application of 180 kg N/ha. Also, these results The obtained results are in good agreement with those
indicate that maximum chlorophyll content in ear leaf reported by Loecke et al. [15]. El-Gedwy [16] reported that
(36.44 SPAD-units) and minimum of this trait (25.44 SPAD- application of 60kg N org. +120kg N min. fed gave the
units) were obtained in application of 180 kg N/ha and highest values of grain yield. Similar results were reported
control level of nitrogen receptivity. Varvel et al. [12] by Hokmalipour et al. [17].
demonstrated N fertilizer significantly increased SPAD
reading. Increase in Leaf area index whit increasing Interaction Effects: Table 2 show that the effect of
nitrogen fertilizer was reported by Valadabadi A. and H, interaction between maize hybrids and nitrogen fertilizer
Aliabadi Farahani [13]. The present results indicated was significant (P<0.01) for ear leaf chlorophyll content,
clearly the vital role of N in plant life and its contribution leaf area index, leaf dry weight and kernel yield. Korduna
in increasing the grain yield. Such results clarified that N with application of 180 kg N/ha gave the highest leaf
is essential for cell division and elongation as well as the area index (5.36), chlorophyll SPAD-units (40.66),
root growth and dry matter content of maize plants [14]. leaf dry weight (382.67 gr/m2) and kernel yield (kg/ha)

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Table 2: Analysis of of kernel yield and some indicates of leaf.

Source of variation df Leaf area index Chlorophyll content Leaf dry weight Kernel yield ha 1

Replication 2 0.12** 21.36** 4186.7** 2523

nitrogen 3 7.31** 88.02** 22276.3** 6263286**
Experimental error 6 0.0014 0.402 23.59 11898
cultivar 2 1.505 212.6** 37653.7** 9679156**
Cultivar×Nitrogen 6 0.016** 5.25** 2272.14** 755790**
Experimental error 19 0.0027** 0.38 19.0 2247110
Cv. - 1.29 2.11 1.83 39
*,** Significant in 5 and 1 percentage probability respectively.

Table 3: Main comparison of kernel yield and some indicates of leaf.

Traits Treatments Levels Leaf area index Chlorophyll content Leaf dry weight Kernel yield(kg h 1)
Cultivars Kenez410 4.09b 29.4b 236.25b 4763b
Korduna 4.43a 32.16a 294.58a 5876.2a
Konsur 3.72c 26.75c 182.6c 4098.7c
Nitrogen levels(kg h 1) 0 2.88a 25.44 182.0d 3758d
60 3.91b 27.11c 215.4c 4882.6c
120 4.6c 28.77b 257.4b 5343.6b
180 4.92d 36.44a 296.3a 5666.2a
*Numbers with the same letter, have no significant difference.

(Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7). This might be due to the well ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

utilization of N fertilizer in metabolism and meristimic
activity which improved these traits. These results are in The authors thank Mr. Fariborze Peyghamie ashenaei
agreement with those obtained by El-Gizawy [16]. Kernels for their field assistance and analytical support in
yield rose with increase in N rate in all three cultivars but processing the plant samples and collecting the data
slope of increase for Kenez410 was more than Konsur. reported herein. We also acknowledge the financial
Korduna cultivar significantly produced more yield at all support of Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad
three N levels than others. Maximum yield belonged to University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran.
Korduna cultivar at 180 kg N ha 1 and differences
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