Growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids as influenced by application of N, P, K and S levels

Experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 kharif seasons at the Agricultural Research Station, Mudhol to investigate the response of three maize hybrids viz. QPM-1 (single cross hybrid with protein), Pinnacle (single cross hybrid –Normal) and Arjun, (EH-434042) to NPK (100%, 150% and 200% RDF) and sulphur levels (20, 30, 40 kg ha -1 ).  Among the hybrids, Pinnacle recorded significantly higher grain yield (11360 kg ha -1 ) than QPM-1 (8046 kg ha -1 ) but was on par with Arjun (10650 kg ha -1 ). Among the NPK levels F 3  (300:150:75 kg NPK ha -1 ) produced the highest yield (10350 kg ha -1 ) and was on par with F 2 (225:112.5:56.25 NPK ha -1 ). Application of 40 kg S recorded the highest yield (10680 kg ha -1 ) and was on par with 30 kg S (10180 kg ha -1 ). Interactions of all the three factors showed that Pinnacle recorded significantly the highest yield at F 3 S 3  (13200 kg ha -1 ).