Effect of organic, integrated and chemical sources of nutrient on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana, Punjab, during 201516 and 201617, to study the effect of or- ganic, integrated and chemical sources of nutrition on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Application of 50% recommended NPK + 50% N as FYM resulted in the maximum plant height, dry-matter accumulation, cob length, cob girth, grains/cobs, 100-seed weight, grain and stover yields than sole organic farming and chemical farming treatments. However, treatment with organic management package (T ), comprising bio-fertilizer contain- 2 ing N and P carriers was at par with integrated application of nutrients through organic sources and fertilizers and significantly better than 100% recommended NPK application. Integrated management of nutrient application re- sulted in 12.52% more grain yield than 100% NPK. Treatment with organic management package (T ) comprising 2 bio-fertilizer containing N and P carriers exhibited 7.09% more grain yield than 100% NPK. The lowest value of growth and yield attributes was recorded with 50% N as FYM + bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter) for N + rockphosphate + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria.