Abstract
This study investigates the effects of neem-coated granular urea on nitrogen volatilization and leaching in maize (Zea mays L.), focusing on nutrient availability (NO3-N and NH4-N) in both normal and saline soils. The pot experiment was conducted in a glass-panelled wire house CRD design with three replications. The experimental treatments included T1 (control without fertilizer), T2 (0.05 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻¹ + recommended P and K), T3 (0.08 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻1 + recommended P and K), T4 (0.01 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha-1 + recommended P and K), and T5 (recommended NPK: 200 kg N ha⁻¹, 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, and 60 kg K₂O ha⁻¹). Soil samples were taken prior to planting, one month later, and following harvest in order to examine key chemical components. The results demonstrated that maize growth and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced by T3 (0.08 % neem-coated urea). Under T3, there was an increase of 34.32 % in shoot length, 50.48 % in fresh weight, and 22.40 % in dry weight. There were notable increases in root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of 36.68 %, 21.32 %, and 46.53 %, respectively. Additionally, in comparison to the control, the T3 treatment increased the plant membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll content, and nitrate retention by 21.32 %, 22.13 %, and 17.29 %, respectively. Treatment T3 enhanced potassium content, phosphorus absorption, and nitrogen concentration. According to data, applying 0.08 % neem-coated urea along with recommended levels of potassium and phosphate enhances maize growth, and overall crop productivity. This makes it a feasible substitute for long-term and effective fertilizer application in both normal and salinized soils.
Published Version
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