Studies on different levels and sources of Nitrogen in augmenting the growth, yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.)
*S. N. Srikantha1, S. Natarajan1, P. Anandan1 and K. Arivazhagan2
1Department of Agronomy, 2Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University Annamalai Nagar - 608002 (India) *Correspondence author e-mail: srikanthsanju07@gmail.com contact: 6363628048 vspnat@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
A field trail was conducted to determine the studies on different levels and sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) at Srinivaspur village, Amanikere, Kolar district, Eastern Dry Zone (Zone-5) of Karnataka State, India, during Kharif season (July to September - 2021). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Among the various treatments evaluated, application of T10 - 180 Kg N ha-1 supplied through 50% as urea + 50% as poultry manure + 60:40 Kg of P2O5 and K2O ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (247.76 cm), number of leaves 12.06 plant-1, leaf length (90.90 cm), leaf width (7 cm), leaf stem ratio (LSR) (0.69) and dry mater production (DMP) (12.38 t ha-1), yield characters viz., green fodder yield (GFY) (54.92 t ha-1) and green fodder production efficiency (7.12 q ha-1 day-1), and it was on par with T11 - 180 Kg N supplied through 50% as urea + 50% as sheep manure + 60:40 Kg of P and K ha-1. Economics viz., gross returns (Rs. 1,64,762 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 1,07,332 ha-1) and B: C ratio of 2.86 with (T10). The lowest gross returns (Rs.89,559 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 25,387 ha-1) and B: C ratio of 1.39 with T5 - 150 Kg N ha-1 as sheep manure + 60:40 Kg of P and K ha-1. Results indicate that combination of inorganic and organic manure (T10) have a significantly greater influence than other treatments.