Impact of Sowing Methods, Weed Management, and Growth Promoters on the Economics and Nutrient Dynamics of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out during two consecutive kharif season in the year 2022 and 2023 at the Students Instructional Farm in the Department of Agronomy of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P). The experiment was laid-out in a split plot design. Sowing methods was done in the main plots and weed management practices in the sub plots along-with growth promoters in three replications. There were two sowing methods viz; Conventional methods (S1) and Ridge methods (S2). Whereas weed management practices were five; Weed Free (W1), Weedy Check (W2), Atrazine Pre-emergence @ 1.25 Kg /ha (W3), Halosulfuron methyl Post-emergence @ 65g a.i./ha (W4), Atrazine Pre-emergence @ 0.75 l/ha + Halosulfuron methyl Post-emergence @ 35g ai./ha  (W5). and there was Growth promoters’ practices were three viz; Gibberellic acid (Sayish) (G1), Amino acid + Humic acid (Spring ever) (G2), Cytokinins + Enzymes (Ambition) (G3).   Sowing was done on the 10th and 13th of July during 2022 and 2023, respectively using hybrid maize DKC-9144. The crop was harvested at full ripe stage on 11 October and 14 October, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The best results in economics of various treatments and available nutrients in soil was observed under S2 (Ridge method) treatment in case of sowing methods, W2 (weed free) treatment in weed control practices and G3 (Cytokinins + Enzymes) in plant growth promoter.