Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present investigation titled “Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth and Yield of Maize” was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Chamelti Agriculture Farm, MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 10 treatments and 3 replications  which are (T1) Control, (T2) 100% RDF, (T3) 120% RDF, (T4) 50% RDF + FYM (10 t), (T5) 75% RDF + FYM (5 t), (T6) 100% RDF + FYM (5 t) + Mulch, (T7) 50% RDF + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1), (T8) 75% RDF + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1), (T9) 100% RDF + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1) + Mulch) and (T10) 75% RDF + FYM (5 t) + Vermicompost  (2.5 t ha-1) + Mulch. Mustard stover @ 2 t ha-1 was used as mulching. RDF used is (100:40:40 kg ha-1) was applied through urea (46% N), SSP (16% P2O5) and MOP (60% K2O). One third N and full dose of P and K was applied at the time of sowing as basal application. Remaining nitrogen was applied in 2 equal splits at 30 and 50 DAS as top dressing. PSC-3322 variety of maize was used for sowing. Other crop management practices were followed as per the recommendation of the area. This study concluded that application of 120% RDF recorded significantly higher plant height, yield and was economically better than other treatments.