Precision nutrient management influences growth, yield attributes and yield of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

An investigation was conducted during kharif season of 2016 for exploring the influence of precision nutrient management on the growth and yield of maize in sandy loam soil at research farm of ICAR–IARI, New Delhi. The results of the study indicated that growth parameters (plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index) and yield attributes (cobs/ha, cob length, grains/row and grains/cob) in maize were improved significantly with precision nutrient management practices. The Soil-Test Crop Response (STCR)-based precision nutrient management practice increased grain yield of maize to the tune of 2.9-122.7 per cent over control and other precision nutrient management practices. The grain yield of maize in STCR-based nutrition was on par with green seeker-based nutrition in 33 per cent basal N+GS guided at knee high and tasseling (T5), 60 per cent basal N + GS guided at tasseling (T8) and 70 per cent basal N + GS guided at tasseling (T9). This was followed by 30–35 per cent basal N + 30–35 per cent N at 25 days after sowing (DAS)+GS guided at the tasseling stage. Thus, it was concluded that application of 33 per cent basal N + GS guided N or 60–70 per cent basal N + GS guided N at tasseling or 30–35 per cent basal N + 30–35 per cent N at knee high + GS guided at tasseling stage could be a better choice for enhancing growth, yield attributes and yield in maize production.