Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, quality and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) on typic Haplustepts of Rajasthan

Abstract

A two year field experiment was conducted at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during kharif season of 2018 and 2019 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield attributes, yield, protein content of maize and monetary returns. The ten treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The application of 75% RDF through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDF through vermicompost + Azotobacter + VAM produced the highest grain 4.26 t ha-1 and stover 6.47 t ha-1 yield of maize and enhanced the overall productivity of maize by increasing number of cob per plant, cob length, weight per cob, number of grain per cob, test weight. Protein content of grains increased by 33.2% and 2.85% with application of 75% RDF through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDF through vermicompost + Azotobacter + VAM as compared to control and 100% chemical fertilizer, respectively. The highest net returns of 65377.4 Rs ha-1 with benefit cost ratio 2.27 was recorded in the plot fortified with 75% RDF through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDF through vermicompost + Azotobacter + VAM. The total uptake of nutrients (N, P and K) by maize was significantly higher under the treatment receiving 75% RDF through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDF through vermicompost + Azotobacter + VAM. The minimum values of all the parameters were recorded under control.