TIMING, METHODS OF APPLICATION AND DOSES OF NITROGEN IN CORN CROP IN CERRADO CONDITIONS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different timing, methods of application and nitrogen doses in the agronomic characteristics, production components, grain yield, as well as the nutrient utilization efficiency in the maize crop. The experimental design of randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme (2 x 2 x 4) and four replicates, was used for the experiment. The treatments were two application times, in maize sowing and in V7 stage coverage; two forms of application, superficial and incorporated to the soil at 8 cm depth; and four nitrogen doses, 0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha^-1. The agronomic characteristics of corn, plant height, spike insertion height, stalk diameter and leaf nitrogen did not differentiate according to the seasons or the application forms, only the nitrogen doses. The components of the production, length and number of rows per spike, number of grains per row, mass of 100 grains and grain yield presented better results with application of the nitrogen incorporated in the soil and doses of 120 to 180 kg ha^-1 of nitrogen. The incorporation practice and the 60 kg ha^-1 dose provided greater agronomic efficiency in the use of nitrogen.