Impact assessment of seedling age on soil properties, nutrient uptake and quality of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) under different sources of nutrients

Abstract

To determine the effect of the age of seedlings under different sources of nutrients on soil properties, nutrient uptake, and quality of the sweet corn, an experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement during the Kharif season of 2020. The experiment consisted of two factors: seedling ages (12, 22, and 32 days old) and nutrient sources (control, RDF, ½ RDF + FYM, ½ RDF + VC, and ½ RDF + PM). Organic sources of nutrients viz. FYM, vermicompost, and poultry manure were given on N equivalent basis. Results showed that transplanting 22 days old seedlings performed better and recorded higher NPK uptake in grain as well as stover with a significant difference, which was directly associated with its high dry matter accumulation. However, no significant difference was observed in the nutrient content of N, P, and K. Significantly higher grain and stover yield was realized by transplanting 22 days old seedlings. Application of ½ RDF + PM led to a significant increase in nutrient content and uptake in both grain and stover as compared to the sole application of RDF. The higher nutrient uptake was ultimately responsible for a higher yield of sweet corn. Application of ½ RDF + FYM was statistically at par with ½ RDF + VC to nutrient uptake and yield. The quality of kernels in terms of TSS, protein, Fe, and Zn content was notably influenced by sources of nutrients with the highest results under the application of ½ RDF + PM. Higher values for Fe and Zn content of grain were reported in the case of 22 days old seedlings with no significant difference to the rest of the seedling ages. Furthermore, the age of seedlings didn’t have a significant effect on postharvest soil Physico-chemical properties however a significant improvement was noted in plots fertilized with ½ RDF + PM.

Measuring the Influence of Seedling Age and Nutrient Sources on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) under Temperate Climatic Conditions

“…Transplanting maize helps farmers to accommodate more than one crop in a year, as the growth period of maize was found to be reduced by 8–10 days by transplanting . Transplanting advantages in a number of ways, which include the optimum use of seed and space, reducing the risk associated with early vegetative growth at a slow rate, and ensuring uniform crop stand, which eventually leads to more uniform flowering and enhanced yields . Thus, transplanting can be considered as a prominent effort to promote the earliness of the crop and exploit the production potential of different crops to the maximum.…”

“…5 Transplanting advantages in a number of ways, which include the optimum use of seed and space, reducing the risk associated with early vegetative growth at a slow rate, and ensuring uniform crop stand, which eventually leads to more uniform flowering and enhanced yields. 6 Thus, transplanting can be considered as a prominent effort to promote the earliness of the crop and exploit the production potential of different crops to the maximum. Transplanting technology is competent if a suitable age of the transplant is chosen 7 and the appropriate age of seedlings positively influences crop growth, yield, and quality.…”