Optimizing Growth Dynamics and Productivity through Planting Methods and Weed Management Practices in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Students' Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during the kharif seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. The study aims to evaluate the impact of different planting methods and weed management practices on maize growth indices, using a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three planting methods, while the subplots comprised seven weed management practices, including a control treatment. The variety sown was DeKalb 900M Gold (Hybrid) and the spacing was kept at 50 x 20 cm2. The recommended dose of fertilizers was applied at the rate of 120: 60: 40 (N2O, P2O5, K2O) kg ha-1. Among the different planting methods, significant highest (pooled) leaf area of the plant (4214.40 cm2 at 90 DAS), dry matter accumulation (113.8 g at 60 DAS), CGR (8.1 g m-2 day-1 at 90 DAS - at harvest) and NAR (4.22 g m-2 day-1 at 60-90 DAS) was recorded in ridge and furrow planting methods across all the crop growth period, which also shows effects on increased grain yield of the crop over flatbed and broadcasting method. Among the weed management practices, the weed free resulted to be the superior treatment. Among herbicidal treatment, sequential application of herbicide Pyroxasulfone 85% @ 127.5g /ha as PE fb Topramezone 33.6 SC @ 30g /ha at 25 DAS as PoE, resulted in highest pooled, leaf area of plant (4416.2 cm2 at 90 DAS), dry matter accumulation (124.80 g at 60 DAS), CGR (9.23 g m-2 day-1 at 90 DAS-harvest), NAR (4.44 g m-2 day-1 at 60-90 DAS), which is closely followed by Pyroxasulfone 85% @ 127.5g /ha as PE fb Tembotrione 42% SC @ 120g/ha 25DAS as PoE, which perform better over weedy check and recorded higher grain yield. Based on the results, ridge and furrow planting method along with Pyroxasulfone and Topramezone or Tembotrione herbicides, consistently enhanced plant growth parameters throughout the crop period, making it the most effective methods in cultivation of hybrid maize.