Assessment of Different Nutrient Combination on the Performance of Maize (Zea mays L) in North Indian Plains

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2023 at the Agriculture Research Farm, Graphic Era Hill University, Uttarakhand. Surface soil (0-15 cm) of the experiment field was sandy loam in texture, low organic carbon (0.39%), medium in available nitrogen (157 kg h-1), medium in available phosphorus (15.5 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (112.6 kg ha-1) with neutral soil reaction (pH 7.4). The experiment consisted of eleven treatments viz., 100% NPK (T1), 100% N (T2), 100% P (T3), 100% K (T4), 100% NP (T5), 100% NK (T6), 100% PK (T7), 100% NPK + VC 5 t ha -1 (T8), 100% + Azotobactor (T9), 100% + VC 5 t ha -1 + Azotobactor (T10), Control (T11). Each treatment was replicated thrice and constituted total of 33 plots. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD). The variety used for the field experiment was K-55. The results of the field experiment reported that the effect of different treatments was significant on growth and productivity of maize. Significantly higher emergence count m-2 (9 m-2) of maize was obtained with the application of 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10). Maximum plant height (102.07 cm, 155.02 cm and 225.87 cm) was observed under treatment 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10) at 30, 45 and 60 days of sowing, respectively. It also produced highest dry matter m-2 (556.56 g, 1023.20 g, and 2062.00 g, respectively at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS). Application of vermicompost along with Azotobacter and chemical fertilizer produced maximum number of leaves per plant (4.05, 8.87 and 14.20 at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS, respectively). Application of 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10) resulted in significant improvement in yield attributes and yield of maize compared to other treatments. The maximum grain yield (59.93 q ha-1) and straw yield (69.90q ha-1) was produced under 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10). Moreover, adoption of different nutrient combinations resulted in improving the economic status of the farmer. Significantly higher B: C ratio of 1.90 was recorded for 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha -1 + Azotobacter (T10) and it was 14.45 % higher than that for 100 % NPK (T1). Hence, it is concluded that application of 100% NPK + VC 5 t ha -1 + Azotobacter exhibited higher growth and yield along with B: C ratio.