Effect of integrated nutrient management on production potential and economics in summer sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Saccharata)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in sandy loam soil at Experimental Farm, Bagusala, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management during summer in 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and 8 treatments comprised of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer RFD (120-60-60 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha), 100% RFD + bio fertilizer consortia (Azotobactor + Azosporillum + phosphobacter) @15 kg/ha, 50% recommended N through farm yard manure(FYM) + 50% RDF + bio fertilizer consortia @15 kg/ha, 50% recommended N through vermicompost (VC)+ 50% RFD + bio fertilizer consortia@15kg/ha, 75% RFD +25% recommended N through FYM, 75% RFD + 25% recommended N through VC, 75% RFD + 25% recommended N through FYM + bio fertilizer consortia@15 kg/ha and 75% RFD + 25% recommended N through VC + biofertilizer consortia @15kg/ha. The soil was acidic in reaction (6.8) with available N, P2O5 and K2O of 158.83, 10.82 and 147.67 kg/ha, respectively. The crop growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves/plant and leaf area index and yield attributes such as number of cobs/plant, cob length, cob girth and cob weight and green cob and forage yield were markedly influenced by integrated nutrient management treatments. Application of 75% RFD + 25% RDN (VC) + BFC @15 kg/ha recorded the highest crop growth, yield attributes and green cob (12.01 t/ha) and green fodder (16.52 t/ha) yield. It was followed by100% RFD + biofertlizer consortia producing the green cob (11.67 t /ha) and forage green forage (16.17 t/ha). The conjugated application of 100% RFD (120-60-60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O /ha) and biofertilizer consortia (Azotobactor + Azosporillum+ posphobacter) @15 kg/ha registered the highest net return (Rs164206/ ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.92).