Influence of Organic Nutrient Sources and Weed Management Practices on Growth Dynamics of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Background: Maize productivity is greatly influenced by nutrient availability and weed competition; therefore, sustainable organic nutrient management and non-chemical weed control practices are essential for improving crop growth and yield. Aim: To evaluate the effect of organic nutrient sources and weed management practices on growth dynamics and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 2 factors of nutrient management and weed management and replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2023 and 2024 at research farm School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University Methodology: The experiment had four nutrient management: N0–RDF(80-60-40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1), N1-100% N through FYM +Azotobacter , N2- 75% N through FYM + 25% through Neem cake + Azotobacter, N3- 50% N through FYM + 50% through Neem cake + Azotobacter and four weed management: W0- Weedy Check (Control), W1- Hand Weeding @ 20 and 40 DAS, W2- HW @ 20 DAS fb Banana Pseudo Stem Mulching @ 10 t ha-1, W3- Hand Weeding @ 20 DAS fb Rice Straw Mulching @ 5 t ha-1. Results: The pooled data results revealed that organic nutrient and weed management had significant effect on growth dynamics and yield of maize. Among the organic nutrient management N2- 75% N through FYM + 25% through Neem cake + Azotobacter recorded the maximum mean growth attributes at different intervals viz. stem girth, leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and yield. Finding from the investigation also revealed a stage wise response with regards to weed management. W2- HW @ 20 DAS fb Banana Pseudo Stem Mulching @ 10 t ha-1 recorded maximum growth attributes at 40 DAS while at 60 DAS highest growth attributes were recorded in W1-HW @ 20 and 40 DAS and it also recorded the highest yield among weed practices. Conclusion: Combined approach of organic nutrient sources and timely hand weeding and mulching offers a sustainable option for increasing yield through balanced organic nutrition and non-chemical weed management.