Effect of nano-DAP based nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

 A field experiment was conducted during the 
kharif season to evaluate the effect of nano-DAP based 
nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of 
maize (Zea mays L.). The results revealed that nutrient 
management practices significantly influenced crop 
growth and productivity. Application of 100%
recommended dose of N & P (RDNP) recorded superior 
growth parameters such as plant height and dry matter 
accumulation and produced the highest grain yield (6.6 
t ha-1). Treatments 75% RDNP + 2% DAP foliar spray 
(FS) at 49 DAS, 75% RDNP + nano-DAP seed treatment 
(NDAP ST) + foliar spray (2 ml L-1 at 33 DAS) and 75%
RDNP + nano-DAP seed treatment + foliar spray (4 ml 
L-1 at 33 DAS) also produced comparable yields. 
Economic analysis indicated that 100% RDNP resulted in 
the highest gross returns (Rs. 152.1 ×10³ ha–¹), net returns 
(Rs. 111.3 × 103 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.73). Treatments 
75% RDNP + 2% DAP FS (49 DAS), 75% RDNP + 
NDAP ST + FS (2 ml L-1 at 33 DAS) and 75% RDNP
+ NDAP ST + FS (4 ml L-1 at 33 DAS) also recorded 
comparable economic returns. The study indicated that 
integrating nano-DAP with 75% RDNP sustains maize 
productivity and profitability, suggesting a potential 25%
saving in conventional N&P fertilizer