The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of nitrogen fertilization on weed interference in maize. The experimental design used was a split-plot, in randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments consisted of five rates of N (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and four weed control times (maize in V2, V3, V4 and V5), two more controls without and with weeds. Chemical control was performed at post-emergence with association of the herbicides nicosulfuron and atrazine. The N rates influenced the determination of weed control time. When weed control was conducted at a later time, the use of high N rates minimized the negative effect of weed interference. In the absence of N application, chemical control exerts a greater influence on maize grain yield.
Zea mays; management; interference