Optimizing cereal production under limited water and nitrogen availability is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study evaluates the effects of three planting densities (D1: low, D2: medium, D3: high) and input levels on the yield, resource use efficiency, and economic performance of three summer cereals: maize, pearl millet, and sorghum. A split-split plot design with three replications was used. Statistical analysis revealed that pearl millet exhibited the highest leaf area under D1 (low planting density) with optimum inputs. It also had the maximum ear/panicle number (35 m⁻²), while D2 (medium density) and D3 (high density) resulted in a higher ear/panicle count. Maize produced the longest (17.1 cm) and heaviest (91 g) ears under D2 planting density. Among the three cereals, maize had the highest grain yield (2695 kg ha⁻¹). Across all planting densities, D2 (medium density) resulted in the highest yield (2434 kg ha⁻¹). Additionally, optimum input levels significantly improved grain yield, reaching 2467 kg ha⁻¹. Water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) varied significantly, with sorghum showing the highest WUE (5.93 kg m⁻²) and maize showing the highest NUE (19.4 kg kg⁻¹). Constrained inputs led to higher NUE (20.1 kg kg⁻¹) and WUE (5.77 kg m⁻²). Quality analysis indicated sorghum had the highest grain protein content (9.4%), while pearl millet showed the highest root and shoot dry weights. Principal component analysis revealed strong associations between specific yield attributes and each cereal, with D2 planting density showing the strongest overall associations. Economic analysis highlighted that sorghum under D2 density with optimum inputs yielded the highest gross return (858.0 USD ha⁻¹), while sorghum at D3 density with constrained inputs achieved the highest net benefit (711.6 USD ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (5.9). To maximize production, D2 planting density is recommended. Optimizing input management can enhance productivity, while sorghum cultivation under constrained input offers the highest economic returns.

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a significant role as a fodder crop, supporting rural populations and livestock. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a shortage of green fodder due to the unbalanced use of fertiliser and improper selection of maize varieties for fodder production. This research aimed to address the need for quality fodder by studying the effects of nitrogen (N) on new maize varieties, ultimately enhancing livestock production and agricultural sustainability. The experiment took place in the summer of 2022 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute in Pakistan. Adopting an RCB design with three replications, fodder maize varieties (Jalal, Kaptan and Jumbo) were tested with four N levels (0, 100, 150, 200 kg N ha−1) applied during sowing, knee (V4), and silking stages. The data upon analysis revealed that different maize varieties had a significant impact on the studied parameters. Maize varieties affected days to tasselling and silking, with the Jumbo variety recording the longest duration (59 and 62, respectively). Similar results were observed for days to milking, with the Jumbo variety taking the longest time (80 days). It also recorded a higher leaf number (11.5), leaf area (478 cm−2) and leaf area index (3.4). Fresh fodder (67,777 kg ha−1) and dry fodder yield (23,424 kg ha−1) were higher for the Jumbo variety. In terms of N application, tasselling (59) and silking (62) took more days when 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 was applied compared to the control. Compared to the control plots (83 days), 200 kg N delayed the milking stage by 10 days. A higher but statistically similar leaf count, leaf area and leaf area index were recorded with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. The plant height of maize was also higher, with 150 (196 cm) and 200 kg N ha−1 (202 cm). Lastly, a higher fresh fodder and dry fodder yield was associated with 150 and 200 kg N ha−1. Based on these results, the Jumbo variety, with the application of 150 kg N ha−1, is recommended for cultivation for economic feasibility and to obtain a higher fodder yield of maize.