Influence of Bioinoculants Mediated Nutrient Management on Growth Parameters, Fodder Yield and Economics of Baby Corn Production

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen application, biofertilizers, and varying levels of phosphorus and sulphur on the growth parameters, yield, and treatment wise economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted factorial experiment in a split-plot design. The field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.), India, during the Rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23. The main plot treatments included three fertility levels as F₁: 45 kg P₂O₅ + 24 kg S ha⁻¹, F₂: 60 kg P₂O₅ + 32 kg S ha⁻¹, and F₃: 75 kg P₂O₅ + 40 kg S ha⁻¹; two biofertilizer levels—B₀: control and B₁: PSB + SDB; and the sub plot treatments included three nitrogen management practices as N₁: 150 kg N ha⁻¹, N₂: 112.5 kg N ha⁻¹ + 2% urea foliar spray, and N₃: 112.5 kg N ha⁻¹ + nano urea @ 4 ml L⁻¹. Observations were recorded on growth parameters, fodder yield, and treatment wise economic parameters, and the data were statistically analyzed using pooled analysis over two years. The highest fertility level (F₃) significantly enhanced leaf area, net assimilation rate (NAR), and relative growth rate (RGR), indicating improved phosphorus and sulphur nutrition that stimulated chlorophyll synthesis and root activity. Biofertilizer inoculation with PSB + SDB (B₁) consistently increased growth and yield attributes over the control, owing to better nutrient solubilization and uptake. Among nitrogen management treatments, N₁ and N₂ recorded comparable and superior performance in terms of physiological efficiency and yield, while N₃ resulted in slightly lower values. The treatment combination F₃B₁N₁ produced the highest green fodder yield and economic returns, with a gross income of ₹4,23,036 ha⁻¹, a net income of ₹3,36,725 ha⁻¹, and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.90. The integrated application of 75 kg P₂O₅ + 40 kg S ha⁻¹ along with PSB + SDB biofertilizers and either 150 kg N ha⁻¹ or 112.5 kg N ha⁻¹ supplemented with 2% urea foliar spray proved most effective in enhancing growth, yield, and profitability of baby corn under the agro-climatic conditions of Varanasi.