Influence of planting geometry and nutrient levels on growth dynamics, quality and cob yield of sweet corn in north western India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during kharif season, 2018 to find out the response of sweet corn to varied planting geometry and nutrient doses. The experiment was laid out in split plot design keeping four planting geometries (60 cm × 25 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm, 75 cm × 25 cm and 75 cm × 30 cm) in main plots and three doses of NPK (120: 60: 40, 150: 75: 50 and 180: 90: 60 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha) in sub plots. Dry matter accumulation, LAI and net assimilation rate were significantly higher in the narrowest planting geometry (60 cm × 25 cm). This geometry also recorded significantly higher green cob yield (13325 kg/ha) than the other planting geometries. Nutrient level 180: 90: 60 being at par with 150: 75: 50 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha produced significantly taller plants, leaf area per plant, dry matter accumulation per plant, LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR than 120: 60: 40 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha. Green cob yield was maximum (12687 kg/ha) in180: 90: 60 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ ha but did not vary due to nutrient levels.