Response of maize (Zea mays) hybrids to nutrient management practices for enhancing productivity and profitability under sub-humid condition of Southern Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive years of 2013 and 2014 to find out the response of nu- trient expert-decision support systems based on the principle of site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) for achieving targeted yield of maize (Zea mays L.). This approach estimated high dose of N and K and low dose of P over recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to evaluate the response of hybrid under this experiment. Growth pa- rameters, yield, nutrient uptake, harvest index and partial factor productivity of P and K and apparent recovery of N and P and economics were significantly higher with SSNM over RDF and farmers fertilizer practices (FFP). Yield attributes, harvest index and partial factor productivity of N and apparent recovery of K were found at par with RDF. Among the hybrids, CMH-08-292 recorded maximum plant growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake, which was found statistically at par with CMH-08-350. SSNM gave significantly higher net re- turns ( 66,350/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.60) over RDF and FFP. Among the hybrids, CMH-08-292 recorded maximum gross returns ( 84,686/ha), net returns ( 60,120/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.41), which was at par with CMH-08-350. The interaction effect revealed that the highest grain yield (7.90 t/ha), net returns ( 84,723/ ha), and benefit: cost ratio (3.27) obtained with CMH-08-292 under SSNM. Hence, it is concluded that SSNM along with suitable high yielding hybrids are recommended for enhancing yield and profitability of maize under sub-humid condition of Southern Rajasthan and similar ecologies elsewhere.