Nitrogen Management in Baby Corn: A Review

Abstract

Baby corn (Zea mays L.) is a short duration crop, relatively new introduction in India and a potential option for raising farmer’s income being a high value crop. This crop may open new alternatives since fits well in the cropping systems and grown year round in a wide range of climatic conditions. Production technologies of baby corn differ from maize thus, development and standardization of location specific agro-techniques are required before popularization among the farmers. Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a wide spread phenomenon in Indian soils and its proper management is of enormous significance from economic and environmental point of view. Efficient utilization depends on the right time, method and optimum N application synchronizing with the crop demands. Studies so far suggest N application in variable rates and proportions for different agro-ecological zones. Yield increases with N rates up to certain level but optimum economic N dose is found independent of plant densities. Baby corn-legume intercropping may be a viable option to improve N-fixation and system productivity. More studies needed on N management in baby corn based cropping systems. Integrated nutrient management (INM) practice should be adopted as core strategy for sustainability and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. Combined approach (soil application + foliar spray) enhances yield and quality in winter baby corn. Concentration and timing of urea foliar spray are two crucial factors to harness the desired benefit. Scope to harvest combined product (baby corn + green / mature cob) and its interaction with N may be explored to provide more flexibility to the farmers. Optimization of N quantities depends on season and location. Site specific nitrogen management (SSNM) approach can address the spatial and temporal variations for efficient N-management. However, cost effective and user’s friendly precision tools may be a viable option considering the real farm situations.