INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN MAIZE PRODUCTION – A REVIEW

Abstract

Maize is one of the main staple crops of Nepalese diet grown throughout the country during summer season as single crop or relayed with millet. This short review article analyses the previous works & studies on impact of INM in maize production. Long-time research which was conducted in different areas has shown that in addition to natural resources deterioration, abiotic-biotic stress, deficiency of several macro & micro nutrients is also an essential factor which influences yield reduction, productivity declination, and shrinkage in net profit. Therefore, Integrated use of chemical and organic fertilizer on yield and yield attributes component of maize is very crucial for assurance of food security & food self-sufficiency. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) aims at adjustment of soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimization of benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients. The integrated use of major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash) along with different organic carbon sources (animal manures and plant residues) together with bio-fertilizers (beneficial microbes) significantly improves maize growth, yield and yield components together with grower’s income.