2.5. Fertilizer application
Fertilizer recommendations were regional specific as determined by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (1995). The fertilizer recommendation for maize was 69 kg of nitrogen (urea 46% N), phosphorus (P) 20 kg (as triple super phosphate 45% P2O5) and potassium (K) 50 kg (as Muriate of potash 60% K2O) on a per hectare basis. The total quantities applied were – basal 23:20:50 (N:P:K) (50 kg urea, 100 kg TSP and 100 kg MOP) and top dressing (4 weeks after planting) at rates of 46:0:0 (N:P:K) (100 kg urea) per hectare.