Abstract Nitrogen (N) applications, hybrid selection, canopy traits, irrigation, and climate variability are critical determinants of corn ( Zea mays L.) growth, biomass accumulation, yield, and N use efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of two N rates (224 and 336 kg ha − 1 ) and five hybrids (H1, Pioneer‐1870 [conventional non‐trait; H2, Pioneer‐1870R; H3, Pioneer‐1197 LR; H4, DKC 62‐08; and H5, Pioneer‐1622 VYHR]) on dry matter partitioning and yield across three seasons using a split plot randomized block design with three replications. Seasonal conditions influenced total dry matter (TDM), reproductive dry matter (RDM), vegetative dry matter (VDM), plant height, grain yield, and yield attributes. Hybrid differences were evident in TDM partitioning, canopy traits, and yield, with significant year × hybrid and hybrid × N rate interactions indicating environment‐ and genotype‐dependent N responses. H1 exhibited superior yield attributes and TDM followed by H4, H5 had canopy traits, and H3 had weakest performance. Increasing N rate did not improve yield or N use efficiency; extra nitrogen offered no benefit, with yield mainly driven by VDM and RDM allocation. Biomass allocation shifted from 71% vegetative at R2 to 72% reproductive at R6, with the VDM/RDM ratio declining from 2.43 to 0.42. H1 with lower N rate, optimized yield, and TDM, while stacked traits and higher rate offered no advantage. These findings highlight the need for tailored N management, hybrid selection, and irrigation strategies to sustain productivity under increasing climate variability. Further research on hybrid‐specific nutrient uptake and remobilization is essential for yield resilience and profitability.
Bhandari et al. (Fri,) studied this question.