Cob Length Research Articles

Effects of integrated nutrient management and fertilizers on the yield of baby corn in Punjab's climatic context

The combined impacts of climate change and increased chemical fertilizer use are diminishing soil fertility, thereby reducing agricultural productivity and farmland yield potential. This study investigates the effect of integrated nutrient management on baby corn. Results showed that the highest cob length (14.28 cm) and green fodder yield (45.56 t ha-1) were achieved using elevated levels of nitrogen (160 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (120 kg ha-1), supplemented with zinc (6 kg ha-1) and Azotobacter. Soil nutrient availability was assessed, indicating that treatment with 160 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter results in available nitrogen levels of 277.2 kg ha-1 and the highest organic carbon content (0.26%). Available phosphorus content (ranging from 24.1 to 24.3 kg P ha-1) is observed with 120 kg P. Nutritional quality parameters were also influenced by nutrient levels, with the treatment of 160 kg N + 120 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter showing the highest total soluble solids (11.2% brix) and protein content (17.9%). The treatment of 140 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn exhibits the maximum fiber content (26.5%). In summary, the study underscores the positive impact of biofertilizers and zinc on fodder yield and soil properties. Integrating biofertilizers and micronutrients is recommended for sustaining agriculture and maintaining soil health over the long term.

The effect of balanced N, P, K, Ca, Mg fertilizer on soil and leaf nutrient and its correlation with growth and corn yield (Zea mays L.)

Fertilization in agricultural cultivation is important in increasing the supply of necessary nutrients for plants to achieve high yield and quality. This study aims to examine the balance of N,P,K,Ca, and Mg against nutrients in soil and plants and its correlation with the growth and yield of corn. There were 9 treatments of N, P, K, Ca, Mg fertilizer balance used, namely: control (A) and 1: 1: 1: 0: 0 (B); 0.25: 0.25: 0.25: 1: 1 (C); 0.5: 0.5: 0.5: 1: 1 (D); 0.75: 0.75: 0.75: 1: 1 (E); 1: 1:1: 1: 1 (F); 0.75: 0.75: 0.75: 0.25: 0.25 (G); 0.75: 0.75: 0.75: 0.5: 0.5 (H); 0.75: 0.75: 0.75: 0.75: 0.75 (I). Parameters observed included nutrients N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in soil and leaf, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, cob weight with and without husks, and cob length and diameter. The results showed that nutrient balance significantly affected nutrient levels in soil and leaf, plant growth, and yield of corn. N, P, K, Ca, Mg Fertilizer application with ratio 0.5: 0.5: 0.5: 1: 1 (D) increased soil N 100%, P 40%, K 108.33%, Ca 28.08%, Mg 30.17% higher than the control and plant leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg about 101.60%, 12.50%, 10.13%, 50.98%, 101.41% respectively, thus providing higher growth and yield. There was a significant correlation between plant height with leaf N and K, stem diameter correlated with leaf Ca, and number of leaves correlated with Mg in corn leaf. Meanwhile, yield correlated with P.

ENHANCING PRE AND POST VEGETATIVE HEAT RESILIENCE AND YIELD POTENTIAL IN THE NEWLY RELEASED MAIZE VARIETY "SAHIWAL GOLD" THROUGH MODIFIED SELECTION

Maize is well-anchored crop across the globe due to its nutritional profile, multipurpose usage, and underlying financial benefits. Growing of open-pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) is a traditional trend and is still followed by a huge community of small farmers in most of the developing world. Improvement in yield potential is always inevitable and requires a purposeful and definite strategy. The current climate scenario loaded with heat escalation and extreme fluctuations is creating uncertainty and unsustainability through acute yield losses in domesticated crops. The breeding strategy of Sahiwal Gold (2008-2018) was comprised of four developmental phases i.e. enrichment phase, half-sib selection, pedigree selection, uniformity phase, and field evaluation at various agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. Each consecutive autumn and spring season was utilized to improve yield potential by exploiting pre and post-vegetative heat resilience. Half sib and pedigree selection improved plant features like height (12%), cob length (4.1%), seeds per cob (7.5%), grain (10%), and stalk yield (11.2%) from enrichment to uniformity phase. Sahiwal Gold maintained a high adaption profile across the tested locations and out-yielded the check variety (MMRI Yellow) by 18% and 26% on average in 6 stations and 16 national yield trials, respectively. National yield testing approved its suitability across provinces like Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Islamabad territory under a diverse range of temperatures. Analysis of variance revealed that highly significant interaction between season and genotypes work for plant height, grain, and stalk yield potential. Higher grain yield up to 95 mounds/acre was observed for spring season crop and batter stalk yield results (650 mounds/acre) were assessed during autumn plantation. Twelve (12) feet tall plants with 4 feet long leaves having 75-90% stay green ability provide a good opportunity fodder and grain yield potential at farmer’s field. This work will provide a better understanding to researchers for designing breeding programs for the development of heat resilience germplasm in crops.

Correlation Studies on Growth, Yield Parameters and Yield of Maize as Influenced by Conservation Tillage Practices and Site-Specific Nutrient Management in Maize (Zea mays L.)

To meet the ever increasing needs of the growing human population ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, maintaining the standards essential for competing in the global market especially in case of major cereals like rice, wheat and maize is a never ending challenge. Keeping this in mind, to increase the productivity of maize by resource conservation techniques with different nutrient management practices, an experiment was laid out at a farmer’s field of Chella, Kamarapara, West Bengal, during pre-kharif season of 2022. The treatments consisted of 2 levels of tillage practices and 7 levels of SSNM treatments. The experimental finding revealed no significant difference between grain and stover yield with different tillage treatments. Whereas significantly higher grain and stover yield `was seen with SSNM through NE, lower grain and stover yield was recorded with control. Correlation studies revealed that plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, cob girth, cob length, number of grain rows per cob, and number of cobs were highly significant and positively correlated with grain yield.

Enhancing the use of coated urea fertilizer and assessing its effect on growth and yield performance in grain corn

Use of urea fertilizer is currently increasing to meet the agricultural demand. However, the efficiency and optimization of urea application in agriculture is uncertain. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of slow-release urea and standard urea fertilizer. Reductions in the N rate of the slow release was assessed by measuring the different growth performance and yield at the field. A 25% reduction in N content using coated urea gave similar growth performance and yield compared to standard practice The findings indicated that there was no significant difference in stem diameter, number of leaves and chlorophyll content between the control treatment and slow-release urea. Grain yield and yield components like cob length, number of grains per cob, weight of grain per cob and 1000 grain weight obtained in the field was similar when applying the slow-release urea with the yield and yield components obtained from standard practice as a control. We conclude that this slow-release urea can be used in extensive cropping of corn while promising at least the same yields than standard practices with reducing impact on environment and nitrogen losses in the soil.

Pupuk Organik Cair D’nip dan Npk Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung Manis

Corn is a cereal plant and a type of monocotyledonous seed. In Indonesia, corn is used for livestock feed, as well as a base for various food and beverage industries, including flour and oil. Corn production in West Kalimantan is significantly lower, at 58.14%, compared to other regions. The maximum corn demand for consumption and livestock feed is 322,621 tons. West Kalimantan produced 14,460,601 tons in 2023.This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial pattern, with 2 factors: the first factor being the application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) D’NIP with code (d) in 3 treatment levels, and the second factor being the application of NPK Mutiara Professional with code (n) in 3 treatment levels. Each treatment was repeated 3 times.The doses of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) D'NIP were 0 ml/1 liter of water (without POC D’NIP), 30 ml/1 liter of water, and 40 ml/1 liter of water. Meanwhile, the doses of NPK Mutiara Professional fertilizer were 2.43 grams/polybag, 7.43 grams/polybag, and 12.43 grams/polybag. This resulted in a total of nine (9) treatment combinations: d0n1, d0n2, d0n3, d1n1, d1n2, d1n3, d2n1, d2n2, d2n3, each treatment repeated 3 times with 3 plant samples in each replication.The highest results for the cob length variable (22.22 cm) were found in treatment (d1n3), plant height (215.66 cm) in treatment (d2n1), number of leaves (12.67 leaves) in treatments (d1n1 & d2n1), cob diameter without husk (53.45 cm) in treatment (d2n3), and weight of cob without husk (311.56 grams) in treatment (d2n3)

Different Management of Nitrogen Application Affected Growth Characteristic of Maize (Zea mays L)

A field study was conducted during Kharif 2019-20 at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India to evaluate different handheld decision support tools for precision nitrogen management in rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). The study utilized a randomized block design and was replicated three times. The eight treatments included applying nitrogen through the State-recommended dose of 200 kg ha-1 in three splits (RDN), using a leaf color chart (LCC) based on N at thresholds 3 and 4, using a soil plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter based on N at thresholds 35 and 40, and using a Green Seeker based on N at NDVI 0.6 and 0.8 in comparison with RDN and absolute control. Based on Green Seeker NDVI at threshold 0.8, the results showed that applying nitrogen resulted in considerably greater yields for maize grain (8408 kg ha-1), stover (9923 kg ha-1), and harvest index (45.8%). with higher yield and growth parameter viz., test weight (36.3 g ), No. of grain rows row-1 (36.7), cob length (18.9 cm), plant height (223.7 cm), leaf area (6385.75 cm2) and dry matter accumulation (18193 kg ha-1) as compared to RDN. Similarly, Green Seeker based N at NDVI 0.8 also registered higher net returns (Rs. 118961 ha-1) and B: C ratio (4.05).

Synergistic enhancement of maize crop yield and nutrient assimilation via zinc oxide nanoparticles and phosphorus fertilization.

Low recovery of conventional fertilizers remains a significant bottleneck for maize production globally. In particular, with phosphate fertilization, zinc (Zn) is prone to precipitation in soil, reducing recovery of both phosphorus (P) and Zn by maize. The present study was designed to investigate the synergistic effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and P on maize crop growth, yield, and nutrient uptake under ZnO seed coating and foliar application in a randomized complete block design. However, plants were subjected to two ZnO NPs levels (0.5 and 12 kg ha-1) amended with two P levels (45 and 90 kg ha-1). ZnO NPs, especially in the form of foliar application, with a P dose of 90 Kg ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) improved maize crop growth, yield, and nutrient uptake compared with control. In comparison with the control group, plants grown in these conditions absorbed higher levels of Zn and P. Zn uptake rose to 16.34 g ha-1, 137.88 g ha-1, and 166.89 g ha-1 in roots, grains, and stover respectively, and P uptake increased to 0.80 mg kg-1, 10.066 mg kg-1, and 12.17 mg kg-1 respectively. Additionally, seed emergence rate, plant height, and cob length increased by up to 2%, 1177 cm2, and 3.3 cm respectively compared with control. Furthermore, Zn use efficiency was increased up to 38.55% in ZnO NPs foliar application. Application of ZnO NPs at 0.5 kg ha-1 in the form of foliar application with 90 kg ha-1 P dose produced a more pronounced increment in the parameters studied than ZnO NPs seed coating did. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Lime Application for Neutralizing Fertilizer Acidity on Growth and Yield of Maize in Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya during Kharif 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of lime application for neutralizing fertilizer acidity on growth and yield of maize in Alfisols. There were eight treatments that include 500 kg lime (T3) and 250 kg granular dolomite (T4) + FYM and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF and FYM + 100 and 50% fertilizer acidity neutralization with lime (T5 and T6) and granular dolomite (T7 and T8), absolute control (T1) and FYM + 100 % RDF (T2). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that application of lime @ equivalent to 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with 100% RDF and FYM (T5) recorded significantly higher plant height (221.56 cm), number of leaves (13.01 plant-1), leaf area (6389 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (168.74 g plant-1) which was on par with T8, T6, T7 and T4. Similarly, significantly higher yield parameters like cob length (21.98 cm), cob girth (20.01 cm), number of rows cob-1 (16.86), number of kernels row-1 (36.98) and test weight (35.98 g) were recorded in T5 when compared to T2, T3 and T1. Kernel and stover yield (81.57 and 90.67 q ha-1, respectively) was observed to be significantly higher in T5 treatment which was on par with T6 which clearly indicated that 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with lime along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and FYM is necessary for obtaining higher growth and yield of maize.

Dampak Pemberian Green manure Dan Pupuk Phonska Terhadap Perkembangan Dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung Manis (Zea mays Saccarata L.)

This study aims to evaluate how green manure applied with Chromolaena odorata and Gliricidia sepium leaves, along with NPK compound fertilizer (phonska), affects the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.). Conducted in Telaga Kodok, Central Maluku, from September to November 2022, the experiment utilized factorial design with varying doses of green manure (0, 10, and 20 tons per hectare) and phonska fertilizer (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended dose). Observed parameters included plant height, leaf count, leaf area, leaf area index, cob length, cob weight with husk, cob weight without husk, and cob diameter. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicate that both factors and their interaction significantly influence sweet corn's growth and yield parameters. It is recommended to apply 20 tons of green manure per hectare and 100% phonska dose to achieve optimal results, considering parameters such as plant height, leaf count, leaf area, cob length, cob weight with and without husk, and cob diameter. By enhancing sweet corn productivity, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural sector growth, this research significantly contributes to optimizing the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Effect of Different Doses of Herbicides on Growth and Yield in Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Kharif season of 2021, to evaluate effect of different doses of Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid down in the Randomized block design with ten treatments which was replicated three times. At 45, 60 and 90 DAS among different herbicidal treatments maximum plant height was observed in Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1. Among the herbicidal treatments, highest cob length (15.67 cm), grain rows per cob (13.26), grains per row (26.93) and grains per cob (370.83) was observed in the treatment T4 (Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1) followed by treatment T3 (Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC) @ 0.875 kg a.i. ha-1). Data from experiment revealed that significantly highest grain yield was recorded in weed free plot (35.65 q ha-1). While among herbicidal treatments, application of Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (35.18) resulted in significantly higher grain yield followed by (T3) Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC @ 0.875 kg a.i. ha-1 (34.38 q ha-1). Among all the treatments all the parameters of crop growth and yield was highest in the weed free treatment (T9).

Response of Biofertilizer and Biochar on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP, during the Zaid season of 2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatment combinations which are replicated thrice. The experiment involves with the biofertilizers like azospirillum(10g and 20g/kg seed),azotobacter(10g and 20g/kg seed) along with biochar(0t/ha,10t/ha,40t/ha). Among the various treatment combinations in (treatment-9) with the application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10 g/kg seed and Biochar 40 t/ha significantly recorded higher plant height (117.13 cm), plant dry weight (34.33 g), cobs/plant (1.87), cob length without husk (14.58 cm), cob weight without husk (12.09 g) and cob yield without husk (4.70 t/ha). Maximum gross returns (2,35,000.00 ₹/ha), were obtained in (treatment-9) whereas maximum net returns (1,27,001.00 ₹/ha) and higher benefit cost ratio (1.74) was obtained in (treatment-8) with application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10g/kg seed and Biochar 10 t/ha.

Effect of Paitan Compost Fertilizer and Corn Rooting Rhizobakteri on the Growth and Yield of Glutinous Corn (Zea mays L. ceratina)

Glutinous rice corn crops in Java show low productivity despite their potential. Agricultural land issues in Indonesia, such as soil fertility and excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, persist. Tithonia diversifolia plants are utilized for composting to address these concerns. Additionally, corn root microorganisms act as biological fertilizer, enhancing plant growth. This study aims to investigate the interaction between Tithonia compost dosage and corn root Rhizobacteria on glutinous corn growth and yield. Conducted in two locations—laboratory for Rhizobacteria isolates and field for composting and planting—the research employed a Divided Plot Design with 36 treatment combinations. Observations included plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, cob count, cob diameter, cob weight, and cob length. Results indicate interaction effects between Rhizobacteria and compost dosage on leaf area growth at 28 days post-planting. Additionally, there's an impact on stem blight intensity at 42 days post-planting. Rhizobacteria dosage didn't significantly affect plant growth or cob yield parameters. However, paitan compost dosage influenced plant height, stem diameter, and cob count, with the best response seen at 14 tons/ha dosage.

Residue of biochar-organic fertilizer after one year of use on corn (Zea mays L.) plants in Alfisol

Introduction: Nutrient-poor soil can lead to reduced crop yields. Biochar-organic fertilizer has demonstrated positive effects over several growing seasons. However, the efficacy of biochar-organic fertilizers varies based on the raw materials used and the duration of their application in the soil. This study aims to assess the residues of biochar, manure, and compost one year after their application on maize plants in Alfisol. Methods: A 300 kg/ha dosage was employed for a single treatment of biochar, manure, and compost. Additionally, biochar was combined with manure or compost at a dose of 150 kg/ha each. The experiment utilized a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications, including a control group. The treatments comprised biochar made from coconut shell and husk, compost, manure, shell+compost biochar mixture, shell+manure biochar mixture, husk+compost biochar mixture, and husk+manure biochar mixture. Corn variety Pertiwi 3 was harvested upon reaching physiological maturity. Results: Combining husk biochar with chicken manure exhibited the most favorable response regarding plant height, leaf area, and weight. Furthermore, combining cob biochar and chicken manure yielded optimal cob length, weight without seeds, and seed weight. Conclusion: After one year, applying shell biochar mixed with manure demonstrated the most significant residual effect on corn plants.

The selection index of S3 corn convergent breeding population based on multivariate analysis

Abstract. Makmur, Farid M, Ala A, Mandja K, Anshori MF, Fadhilah AN. 2024. The selection index of S3 corn convergent breeding population based on multivariate analysis. Biodiversitas 25: 1097-1103. Corn is one of the most important and strategic food crops in the world, including Indonesia. Increasing corn production through a plant breeding program by assembling hybrid varieties begins with developing a convergent breeding population and index selection. The research aims to identify genetic variance and the effectiveness of selection indices in selecting high-yield S3 cross populations. The research was carried out in Rea Village, Binuang Sub-District, Polewali Mandar District, West Sulawesi from July to November 2022. The research used an augmented design with four blocks. Sixty-six lines were derived from 4 double cross populations and 8 populations of the S3 generation multiple-cross population, as well as 9 check varieties (NK7328, Pioneer 36, Bisi 18, Bisi 2, NK99, Nasa 29, JH45, Bisi 9, and NK212) were used in this study. The results indicate that the length of cobs (5.98;73.59%), length of seed cobs (7.06; 79.46%), weight of 100 seeds (7.75; 89.30%), and weight of seeds per cob (7.84; 65.59%) have moderate genetic variance and high heritability. The characteristics of stem diameter, yield percentage, and weight of seed per cob were effectively used in the selection index formulation. Based on the index selection, there were 14 potential corn lines with a good performance, recommended for the next hybridization stage.

Effect of Application of Secondary Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station, Honnavile, Shivamogga on sandy clay loam soil to study the response of maize to secondary nutrients application. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of nine treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of package of practice (POP) (T1), POP + soil application of two levels of calcium, i.e., 25 and 50 kg ha-1 through lime (T2 and T3), dolomite (T4 and T5, which amount to 15.02 and 30.04 kg ha-1 of magnesium, respectively) and gypsum (T6 and T7, which amount to 19.96 and 39.91 kg ha-1 of sulphur, respectively). Treatments T8 and T9 consisted of POP + combined application of all three secondary nutrients through lime, magnesium sulphate and bentonite sulphur to meet the same level of nutrient as treatments T2 to T7. Among the treatments, application of POP + calcium @ 25 kg ha-1 through lime + 15.02 kg ha-1 of Mg + 19.6 kg ha-1 of S (T8) showed significantly higher values for growth parameters viz., plant height (196.65 cm), leaf area (4804.70 cm2), leaf area index (5.55) total dry matter (273.80 g plant-1) and yield parameters viz., cob length (16.93 cm), number of grains cob-1 (511.08), kernel yield (6772 kg ha-1) and stover yield (8221 kg ha-1). Similarly the same treatment recorded significantly higher grain protein content (8.99%) compared to other treatments. However the test weight, harvest index and oil content of maize remained unaffected due the applied secondary nutrients.

The Growth and Production of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Various Distance Planting and Biofertilization.

Farmers habits in cultivating corn plants, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, causing environmental pollution and decreasing soil quality, both chemical, physical, and biological, which results in low production, therefore some efforts are needed to remain productive, namely by using biological fertilizers to improve soil improvement and improve spacing. This study aims to determine the growth and production of maize at various distance planting and to apply biofertilization. The research was conducted in Sei Beras Sekata Village, Deli Serdang in December 2019 to March 2020. The research used factorial randomized block design, the first factor was various of distance planting 70 cm x 10 cm, 70 cm x 15 cm, 70 cm x 20 cm, and the second factor was biological fertilizer consisting of 0 g/ha, 400 g/ha, 800 g/ha, 1200 g/ha. The observed parameters were plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, dry seed weight per plant, dry seed weight per plot, cob length, ear diameter, number of seeds per cob and root dry weight. The results showed that planting distances 70 cm x 20 cm significantly affected the stem diameter, length of cob, ear diameter, number of seeds per cob, weight of dried seeds per plant, and weight of dried seeds per plot. Biological fertilizer has a significant effect on the diameter of the cob. There was no interaction between the distance of planting corn and the application of biological fertilizer to the growth and production of corn.

Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea Mays L.) As Influenced by Cropping Systems and Different Npk20:10:10 Compound Fertilizer Rates

Field trials were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons at Prince Abubakar Audu University Research and Students Demonstration farm, Anyigba, to evaluate and compare the growth and yield performance of maize under three cropping systems and four NPK20:10:10 compound fertilizer rates. A sole crop of maize was initially established at the four fertilizer rates tested, using the randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. For the purpose of double cropping, maize seeds were replanted after the harvest of the sole crop maize, while a second crop of maize, also grown for the harvest of dry grains, was sown in between the rows of the sole crop maize in relay cropping, as soon as tasselling began. Maize data collected included plant height, days to first tasseling, days to 50 % tasseling, cob length at harvest, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. Results showed non-significant interactions (P˃0.05) of cropping system and fertilizer rate for most parameters measured, except plant height at 3, 6 and 9 WAP and 1000-grain weight. Averaged over two years, grain yield was higher under mono-cropping but was different (P˂0.05) only under relay cropping, where the lowest grain yield was obtained. The higher land equivalent ratio values of double cropping over relay intercropping across the fertilizer rates tested suggest that it is a better system for increasing maize production in the zone.

Effect of Nitrogen Management through Nano Fertilizers on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif 2022-23 at Integrated Farming System demonstration unit, L-block, GKVK, Bengaluru, consisting 11 treatments replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments consisted of T1-(No nitrogen), T2-Nitrogen management as per package of practices (UASB), T3-50%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30 and 50 DAS, T4-50%RDNP+ foliar spray of nano-NP at 30 and 50 DAS, T5-Foliar spray of only nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T6-Foliar spray of only nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T7-25%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T8-25%RDNP+foliar spray of nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T9-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray, T10-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-NP spray and T11-100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray. The results revealed that application of 100%RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray recorded higher plant height (229.3 cm), number of leaves at 90 DAS (15.76), dry matter production (354.9 g plant-1), GreenSeeker reading at 30, 50 and at 70 DAS after spray (0.43, 0.58 and 0.73, respectively), cob length, cob girth and cob weight (20.5 cm, 5.49 cm and 201.9 g plant-1, respectively) and higher kernel and stover yield (7729 and 8948 kg ha-1, respectively)over other treatments and on it was par with 100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray and 100% RDN + NDVI based nano NP spray.

The effect of irrigation water quality on the growth of maize plants, electric conductivity and pH of the soil

The research aims to determine the response of the Maize crop to irrigation with salt water during the growth stages, and to study the accumulation of salts in the soil, the degree of their interaction, and the efficiency of water use. Three types of irrigation water with salt concentrations (1.5, 4.5, 6.5) dSm-1 with three replicates for every kind water. The Randomized Complete Blocks Design was used in the experiment, and it was statistically analyzed using SPSS. Statistically significant differences were found at the 5% level according to Duncan's method. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences attributed to the salinity of irrigation water at the level of 4.5 dsm-1 (T2), which caused about 50% damage in plant height, root growth, leaf area per cob length, weight of 500 seeds, grain yield, and soil. Compared to salinity if irrigated with 1.5 dsm-1 (T1) salinity of river water. Using water with a salinity of 6.5 dsm-1 (T3) as wastewater resulted in a reduction of all apparent plant characteristics by 75%. An increase in soil salinity was also observed at the end of the experiment compared to its salinity at the beginning of the experiment, and this damage increases with an increase in the electrical conductivity of the water used in irrigation operations. It has been observed that soil PH decreases with increasing soil salinity.