Yield and Grain Quality of Divergent Maize Cultivars under Inorganic N Fertilizer Regimes and Zn Application Depend on Climatic Conditions in Calcareous Soil

The variations in temperature and rainfall patterns under climate change are threatening crop production systems, optimizing fertilization practices is a prerequisite for sustainable cereal production. This two-year field study investigated the effects of eight treatments (T1: P60K60; T2: P60K60 + Nmin spring; T3: N40autumn T4: N60spring; T5: N100spring; T6: N60spring Zn; T7: N60autumn N80spring T8: N160spring Zn) on grain yield quality four divergent maize cultivars (NS-4023, NS-640, NS-6010 NS-6030). observations climatic data showed substantial monthly cumulative only, which was 174 226 mm 2011 2012, respectively, much less than historical 339 mm. However, during growth years little deviation from data. that treatment cultivar significantly influenced yield; however, remained lower 2012 each cultivar. Applying N as split doses combination with Zn, resulted higher yields adding at once. affected variables differently, including oil, thiol SH, phytate, inorganic P, soluble protein, starch, total phenol, sugars tryptophan contents. Despite pronounced difference between cultivar, did not always vary cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed relationships varied 2012. changes critical stages seemed to be more important factor regulating response terms various regimes this study.