Effect of FYM, Areca Husk Compost and Coir Pith Compost on Yield, Quality and Soil Properties in Babycorn Cultivation (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2023 at the College of Agriculture, Navile, Shivamogga. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice and treatment consisted of twelve organic nutrition treatments and an inorganic treatment which followed the standard package of practice (150:75:40 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1). In organic treatments, the organic manures FYM, Areca husk compost, and Coir pith compost are applied in combination and sole, and among the organic treatments, application of 50 percent N through FYM + 50 percent N through areca husk compost (T2) reported higher Husked yield of babycorn (119.0 q ha-1), Dehusked yield of babycorn (45.1 q ha-1), and green fodder yield (29.0 t ha-1) which was on par with a package of practice (T1). Quality parameters, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, and sensory evaluation were significantly higher in 50 percent N through FYM + 50 percent N through areca husk compost (T2). Also, soil properties like available N, P2O5, and K2O and soil microbial count were increased by the different compost applications over the inorganic fertilizer application.