Growth and Yield Responses and Their Implications for Farm Efficiency of Several Hybrid Maize Varieties as Affected by NPK Fertilizer Rates

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield responses of several hybrid maize varieties to NPK fertilizer application and to assess their implications for farming efficiency. The experiment was conducted from January 2025 to May 2025 at the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Simalungun. A randomized block design with two factors was used, consisting of three hybrid maize varieties (Pioneer 32, BISI 18, and NK 6232) and three NPK fertilizer rates (200, 250, and 300 kg/ha). Growth and yield parameters were observed and analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the Least Significant Difference test at 5%. The results showed that maize varieties and NPK fertilizer rates significantly affected most growth and yield parameters. Hybrid varieties that achieved high yield performance at moderate fertilizer rates demonstrated better farming efficiency, indicating that optimal input management is essential for sustainable maize production.