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Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important forage, food, and technical crop. Regarding climate change, the efforts of breeders are aimed at developing hybrids with high adaptive and productive potential. Appropriate agrotechnological practices are also important for successful maize cultivation. In intensive cultivation, a lot of mineral fertilizers are used, which are one of the most effective means to increase productivity. Mineral nitrogen fertilization is a prerequisite for higher maize yields. Poorly balanced fertilization is often the cause of severe yield reductions. The present work aimed to study the effect of two types of mineral nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium nitrate and urea) on the chemical composition of the grain of maize, Kneja 561 hybrid grown as a monoculture and after intercropping. The standard growing technology was applied under dry farming conditions (no irrigation). Doses of 60 and 120 kg/ha of nitrogen (active substance) applied as ammonium nitrate and urea at the 6-8 leaf stage of maize were tested, including an unfertilized control. Protein, starch, ash, and dry matter were determined using Near Infrared spectroscopy for analysis. The results showed the chemical composition was improved viz. oil and starch content under mineral nitrogen fertilization, with no statistically proven difference for the two mineral nitrogen fertilizers tested.

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