Effect of integrated nutrient management on microclimatic environment, quality and yield of baby corn (Zea mays) in North-Western India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2013 and 2014 on sandy-loam soil of Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The maximum photosynthetically active radiation interception was recorded 60 days after sowing in plants receiving N- P-K @ 75-15-11.3 kg/ha through chemical fertilizer, which was statistically at par with 15 kg N/ha through FYM + 60 kg N/ha. The lowest soil and canopy temperature was recorded in N-P-K @ 75-15-11.3 kg/ha 30 days after sowing. The maximum baby corn yield was recorded in N-P-K @ 75-15-11.3 kg/ha which was statistically at par with 15 kg N/ha (FYM) + 60 kg N/ha and N-P-K @ 60-12-6 kg/ha. The protein content was significantly higher in plants received N-P-K @ 75-15-11.3 kg/ha, while sugar content was higher in plants received 30 kg N/ha through FYM + 30 kg N/ha through fertilizer than the other treatments. The starch, crude fibre, cob texture, total soluble solid and total solids were not significantly affected by both chemical and integrated nutrient management treat- ments.