The objective of this research was to determine the influence of different nitrogen fertilisation rates on the grain moisture content and the loss rate in hybrid maize. Nine maize hybrids FAO 300-400 of nearly the same flowering were grown in a split-plot experiment with five replications at the Maksimir location in 1996. The main factor was fertilisation with two rates of applied nitrogen (70 kg N/ha and 200 kg N/ha), and the subfactor was the hybrid. The level of grain moisture was measured four times after physiological maturity (appearance of black layer): 19th September, 30th September, 09th October, and 16th October 1996. The studied hybrids showed significant differences in the moisture content on each date of measurement. During the entire period of drying, the highest moisture loss rate was 0,187 % per day, and the lowest was 0,122 % per day. The moisture loss rate was the most intensive in period from 30th September to 9th October for almost all hybrids. In the studied maize hybrids a different supply of mineral nitrogen did not cause differences in the grain moisture content and the loss rate. This has led to the conclusion that the genotype is the prime factor controlling these traits.

maize hybrids; nitrogen fertilization; grain moisture; moisture loss rate

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia