Enhancing the yield of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) Through integrated nutrient management practices

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted from July to October 2024 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, to study the effects of integrated nutrient management practices on the growth and yield characteristics and yield of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). The study used a randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments. Out of all the treatments that were examined, 100% RDN + Green Leaf Manure @ 6.25 t ha-1+ Nano Zinc @ 2% Foliar Application on 40, 55, and 70 DAS (T7) achieved the highest values of grain yield (7096 kg ha-1), stover yield (12093 kg ha-1), cob length (16.9 cm), and number of grains per cob-1 (452). The application of 100% RDN + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Zinc Soil Application 25 kg ha-1 (T6) came next. Under control (T1), the lowest values of growth and yield parameters were recorded.