Effect of Nutrient Combination on Growth and Yield of Maize

Abstract

A comprehensive field experiment was meticulously planned and executed during the kharif season of 2021 at the esteemed Doon Valley College of Education, nestled in the serene locale of Thakurpur, Selaquai, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The primary objective was to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management, combining organic and inorganic nutrients, in optimizing the growth and yield of irrigated maize. The experiment was carried out using randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consists of nutrient combinations, namely T1 - Control, T2 - 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), T3 - 75% RDF, T4 - 50% RDF, T5 - 75% RDF + 25% Organic Manure (OM), T6 - 50% RDF + 50% OM, T7 - 75% RDF + 25% OM + Zinc Sulphate, T8 - 100% RDF + Zinc Sulphate, T9 - 50% RDF + 50% OM + Zinc Sulphate. The maize variety utilized in this research was Kanchan-25, chosen for its excellent adaptability and productive capacity. During the growing season, thorough observations were conducted on various growth indicators including plant height, plant density, dry matter accumulation, and leaf area index (LAI). Moreover, significant yield-related characteristics such as the count of leaves per plant, grains per cob, weight of the cob, grain yield, and stover yield were likewise noted. Of all the nutrient treatments evaluated, the combination of 50% recommended chemical fertilizers (RDF), 50% organic manure, and zinc sulphate (T9) was particularly notable. This treatment greatly enhanced plant growth, leading to increased dry matter production and a larger leaf area. It also produced the highest yield results increased grain and stover outputs. These findings clearly highlight the advantages of combined nutrient management. This method combines the rapid nutrient release of chemical fertilizers with the enduring soil-enhancing benefits of organic manure, promoting robust crop development and optimizing yield Moreover, it offers a sustainable and eco-friendly way to boost maize productivity, showing that it's possible to achieve high yields without compromising on responsible farming practices.