Integrated Nutrient Management on Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications of each twenty treatment combinations consisting of four fertility levels and five secondary and micronutrient levels. Integrated nutrient management exhibited significant effect on growth, yield attributes and yield of baby corn. Application of 75 % RDF+vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 +mixed bio-fertilizers recorded the highest plant height, number of leaves plant-1 , LAI , dry matter accumulation of baby corn at harvest along with yield baby corn (1.50 t ha-1) and green forage (26.03 t ha-1). Application of 40 kg S ha-1 +5 kg Zn ha-1 +2.5 kg B ha-1 has resulted in significant increase in yield components such as number of corns plant-1 , length and girth of baby corn, baby corn weight along with yield of baby corn (1.54 t ha-1) and green forage (26.17 t ha-1). The highest net return (` 77921 ha-1) and B: C ratio of 3.07 were registered in 75% RDF+vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 + mixed bio-fertilizers. Application of 40 kg S ha-1 +5 kg Zn ha-1 +2.5 kg B ha-1 resulted in highest net return (` 81217 ha-1) and B: C ratio of 3.13.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…Further, the slow release of nutrients associated with vermicompost might have resulted in higher concentration of nutrients in plant cells resulting in higher dry matter accumulation. The results were in conformity with the findings of Kumar et al maize, Mahapatra et al [1] in babycorn, Kaur et al [16] in wheat and Biswas et al [20] in oat.…”

“…Use of vermicompost in INM exerted positive influence on plant growth due to presence of relatively readily available plant nutrients, growth enhancing substances and number of beneficial organisms [14]. Beneficial effect of inclusion of vermicompost as a part of INM on plant height was also observed by Kannan et al [15] in maize, Mahapatra et al [1] in babycorn, Kaur et al [16] in wheat, Biswas et al [17] in oat. Moreover, inclusion of Zn as a part of INM improved plant growth due to accelerated hormonal activity through its involvement in auxin metabolism.…”

“…Moreover, the use of Zn improved LAI of maize by synthesizing tryptophan which is a precursor of growth hormones like auxin and indole acetic acid (IAA) and thereby, promoting enzyme activity and cell membrane integrity [18]. Increment of LAI was earlier reported by Mahapatra et al [1] in babycorn under of vermicompost along with biofertilizers and micronutrients, Kaur et al [16] in wheat under application of 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha+ azotobacter and Biswas et al [17] in oat under application of 75% inorganic and 25% organic (vermicompost) sources of nutrients. Improved plant height and LAI under INM increased the light interception, absorption and utilization of solar radiation and thus enhanced photosynthesis which was reflected in dry matter production.…”

“…In India, maize is placed in 3 rd position among the cereals in terms of its importance, after rice and wheat [1]. But from the last decade, the production peak of this crop is increasing very fast due to its demand as feed, better market price, wider adaptability and greater production potential of hybrids, and versatile uses in domestic, livestock and industrial sectors.…”

“…This could be achieved in sustainable manner without sacrificing soil health, environment safety and other natural resources [10]. Besides that, INM practices also helps in reduction of the production cost and increases the returns of the farmers [1]. Keeping these facts in mind, the present experiment was framed to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on hybrid maize during summer season.…”