Effect of boron application and nitrogen management on yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Introduction

The scientific name Zea mays originates from two distinct linguistic sources. The term Zea is derived from ancient Greek, where it was used as a general reference to cereals and grains and is often interpreted as meaning "sustaining life." The word mays is taken from the Taino language, in which it means "life giver." Although the precise center of origin of maize (Zea mays L.) remains a matter of scholarly debate, researchers commonly attribute it either to the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador or to southern Mexico and Central America. At present, maize is cultivated extensively across the globe, thriving under diverse agro-climatic conditions in countries such as the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, France, South Africa, Romania, the former USSR, Yugoslavia, and India. In India, the major maize-producing states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Remarkably, attainable yields as high as 11-12 t ha⁻¹ have been reported in Poland, reflecting the crop's exceptional genetic potential. Agronomically, maize can be cultivated throughout the year due to its photo-thermo-insensitive nature, which enables it to adapt effectively to a wide range of environmental conditions. This adaptability has earned maize the title "Queen of Cereals." Owing to its high yield potential, maize is also referred to as a "miracle crop." As a C₄ plant, maize has a highly efficient photosynthetic mechanism that allows it to utilize solar radiation effectively for enhanced dry matter accumulation. However, because maize is a heavy feeder of nutrients, its productivity largely depends on appropriate and balanced nutrient management practices. Sustaining soil fertility and ensuring efficient nutrient delivery are crucial for maintaining optimal crop productivity. In this context, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) has emerged as a sustainable and scientifically sound strategy aimed at enhancing crop yield while preserving soil health. INM emphasizes the balanced and judicious use of both inorganic fertilizers and organic sources such as farmyard manure (FYM), green manures, crop residues, and biofertilizers.

This holistic approach ensures an adequate and continuous supply of nutrients, thereby improving nutrient-use efficiency and maintaining soil productivity in the long term. Among the organic amendments, vermicompost has proven particularly beneficial for improving soil structure and fertility. It is produced through the interaction of microorganisms and earthworms under mesophilic conditions (up to 25 °C). Vermicompost is a biologically stable product characterized by a low C:N ratio, high microbial and enzymatic activity, fine particulate structure, and excellent water-holding capacity. It supplies essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in readily available forms (Lavelle & Martin, 1992). Application of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) in combination with FYM has been shown to improve maize germination, plant height, and overall growth (Shakoor et al., 2015) [11] . Similarly, higher levels of FYM have been reported to increase germination percentage and early plant vigor (Shahna & Sheikh). Boron (B) is one of the most limiting micronutrients in agricultural soils, and its deficiency can significantly reduce the productivity of several crops, including cereals. Maize is particularly sensitive to micronutrient imbalances (Broadley et al., 2007) [5] . Boron plays a vital role in numerous physiological and biochemical processes such as cell division in meristematic tissues, carbohydrate metabolism and translocation, maintenance of membrane integrity, pollen tube growth, successful pollination, and seed formation (Siddiky et al., 2007) [16] . Adequate boron availability is therefore essential for reproductive success and grain development in maize. Globally, boron deficiency ranks as the second most widespread micronutrient constraint to soil fertility after zinc (Zn). The combined management of macronutrients and micronutrients is essential to achieve higher productivity and quality in maize. Nitrogen, being a primary macronutrient, is the key driver of vegetative growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and yield formation. However, excessive or imbalanced application of nitrogen can lead to nutrient losses and reduced efficiency. Boron, on the other hand, enhances nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency by supporting reproductive and metabolic processes. Hence, studying the interactive effects of nitrogen and boron is crucial to developing efficient and sustainable nutrient management strategies for maximizing yield and improving grain quality in maize.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted at Mansarovar Global University, Bilkisganj, Sehore, M.P., during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the effect of nutrient management practices on crop performance. The study comprised 15 treatments involving Urea, Vermicompost (VC), Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Azotobacter, and Boron, each replicated three times, resulting in a total of 45 plots. The treatments were randomly assigned in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) as follows:  T1: 100% N through Urea + Boron @ 2 kg/ha  T2: 100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha  T3: 100% N through Urea + Boron @ 4 kg/ha  T4: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 2 kg/ha  T5: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 3 kg/ha  T6: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 4 kg/ha  T7: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through VC + Boron @ 2 kg/ha  T8: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through VC + Boron @ 3 kg/ha  T9: 50% N through Urea + 50% N through VC + Boron @ 4 kg/ha  T10: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through VC + Boron @ 2 kg/ha  T11: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through VC + Boron @ 3 kg/ha  T12: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through VC + Boron @ 4 kg/ha  T13: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 2 kg/ha  T14: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 3 kg/ha  T15: 50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 4 kg/ha This experimental setup allowed for the assessment of the individual and combined effects of chemical, organic, and biofertilizer sources of nitrogen along with varying Boron levels on crop growth and productivity. 1.1 presents the influence of various integrated nitrogen management treatments combined with different levels of boron on the cob girth (cm) of maize during the years 2023 and 2024, along with the average of both years. The treatments consisted of combinations of nitrogen sources Urea, Farmyard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC), and Azotobacter applied with boron at rates of 2, 3, and 4 kg/ha. The results revealed noticeable variation among treatments. The maximum average cob girth (17.2 cm) was recorded in T2 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha), followed closely by T3 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 4 kg/ha) with 16.15 cm. Conversely, the lowest average cob girth (11.7 cm) was observed in T4 (50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 2 kg/ha). Treatments incorporating integrated nitrogen sources (Urea, FYM, and VC) generally showed moderate cob girth compared to sole urea application. Statistical analysis indicated that the differences among treatments were significant at the 5% level (CD = 1.64), with a standard error of the mean (S.Em.) = 0.565. Overall, the findings suggest that applying 100% nitrogen through urea in combination with Boron @ 3 kg/ha was most effective in enhancing cob girth of maize under the given experimental conditions. The treatment T2 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha) recorded the highest average number of rows per cob (16.15), followed closely by T14 (50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 3 kg/ha) with an average of 15.6. Treatments such as T8 and T15 also performed comparably well with averages of 15.05 rows per cob. In contrast, the lowest number of rows per cob was observed under T7 (50% N through Urea + 50% N through Vermicompost + Boron @ 2 kg/ha), which recorded an average of 13.35, indicating that both lower boron levels and organic nitrogen combinations may limit cob development.

Results and Discussion

Overall, treatments receiving moderate boron levels (3 kg/ha), especially in combination with either 100% urea nitrogen or partially substituted organic sources, tended to produce superior results. Statistical analysis revealed that the differences among treatments were not significant at the 5% level (CD -N/A), though notable trends were evident. The standard error (S.Em.) values ranged between 0.568 and 0.596, confirming consistency across both years. The data presented in the table 1.3 illustrate the influence of different nitrogen management strategies in combination with varying boron levels on the number of grains per row of maize during the years 2023 and 2024, along with their respective averages. Across treatments, the number of grains per row exhibited notable variation depending on the nitrogen source and boron application rate. The results reveal that the treatment T1 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 2 kg/ha) recorded the highest average number of grains per row (29.8), followed closely by T2 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha) with an average of 29.25 grains per row. Conversely, the lowest grain count (22.25) was observed under T4 (50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 2 kg/ha), indicating reduced grain development under partial substitution of urea nitrogen with FYM at a lower boron dose. Among the integrated nutrient management combinations, the treatment T13 (50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 2 kg/ha) also showed a relatively high performance (28.45 grains per row on average), suggesting a synergistic effect of biofertilizer and organic amendments with balanced nitrogen management. Across both years, the highest average test weight (235.15 g) was observed under T2 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha), followed closely by T14 (50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 3 kg/ha) with an average of 232.65 g, and T8 (50% N through Urea + 50% N through Vermicompost + Boron @ 3 kg/ha) showing 228.7 g. These results indicate that the 3 kg/ha boron level consistently enhanced test weight irrespective of the nitrogen source, possibly due to improved translocation of assimilates and better grain development.

Conversely, the lowest test weight (192.7 g) was recorded under T4 (50% N through Urea + 50% N through FYM + Boron @ 2 kg/ha), suggesting that lower boron rates or partial substitution of nitrogen solely with FYM may not suffice for optimal grain filling.

Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference among treatments, with a CD (5%) of 6.5465 and SE(m) of 2.248, confirming that the variations in test weight due to different nitrogen and boron management practices were meaningful. Overall, the findings suggest that integrating balanced nitrogen management with boron application at 3 kg/ha, particularly when a portion of nitrogen is supplied through organic sources such as FYM, vermicompost, or Azotobacter, effectively enhances test weight and potentially improves maize grain quality.

The stover yield of maize varied significantly under different nitrogen management practices combined with boron application during the years 2023 and 2024. Treatments included 100% nitrogen through urea, partial substitution of urea with farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), or Azotobacter inoculation, along with boron at 2, 3, and 4 kg/ha. The highest average stover yield (139.34 q/ha) was observed in T2 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 3 kg/ha), followed by T14 (50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 3 kg/ha), which produced an average yield of 132.84 q/ha. Treatments with partial substitution of nitrogen through FYM, VC, or Azotobacter generally showed moderate yields ranging from 99.83 to 115.5 q/ha. Lower stover yields were recorded in T1 (100% N through Urea + Boron @ 2 kg/ha) and T15 (50% N through Urea + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Azotobacter + Boron @ 4 kg/ha), with averages of 83.84 q/ha and 91.83 q/ha, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that the critical difference (CD) at 5% level was 17.895 q/ha, and the standard error of mean (S.Em.) was 8.2645 q/ha, confirming that the differences in stover yield among treatments were statistically significant.

In conclusion, 100% N through Urea with Boron @ 3 kg/ha produced the maximum stover yield, while integrated nitrogen management involving partial substitution with FYM or Azotobacter also enhanced stover production effectively. Boron application at 3 kg/ha was found to be optimal for achieving higher stover yields across different nitrogen management practices. The table 1.6 illustrates the effect of different nitrogen management strategies combined with boron application on the grain yield (q/ha) of maize over two years (2023 and 2024), along with the average yield. Fifteen treatments were evaluated, varying in nitrogen sources urea, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and Azotobacter inoculation and boron levels (2, 3, and 4 kg/ha). Among the treatments receiving 100% nitrogen through urea, T2 (Boron @ 3 kg/ha) recorded the highest average grain yield of 69.5 q/ha, followed by T3 (45.17 q/ha) and T1 (38.7 q/ha).

Treatments combining urea with FYM (T4-T6) resulted in moderate yields, with T5 producing the highest average of 55.7 q/ha. Similarly, combinations of urea with VC (T7-T9) produced average yields ranging from 49.02 to 54.33 q/ha, while split applications of urea, FYM, and VC (T10-T12) improved yield further, the highest being 59.585 q/ha (T11). Treatments incorporating Azotobacter inoculation (T13-T15) recorded substantial yields, with T14 (Boron @ 3 kg/ha) achieving 65.835 q/ha. The differences among treatments were statistically significant at the 5% level, with a Critical Difference (CD 5%) of 5.716 q/ha and S.Em. of 3.595 q/ha. Overall, the results indicate that integrated nitrogen management, particularly when combined with Boron at 3 kg/ha and biofertilizer application, substantially enhances maize grain yield.

Conclusion

The study on the effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management (INM) with Boron application on maize (Zea mays L.) revealed significant variations in growth, yield, and quality parameters across different treatments. Application of 100% nitrogen through urea combined with Boron @ 3 kg/ha consistently produced superior results, recording the highest values for cob girth (17.2 cm), number of rows per cob (16.15), test weight (235.15 g), stover yield (139.34 q/ha), and grain yield (69.5 q/ha). Partial substitution of urea with organic sources such as Farmyard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC), or biofertilizer (Azotobacter) also improved growth and yield parameters, though generally to a moderate extent compared to full urea application. Among the Boron levels tested, 3 kg/ha was found to be optimal for enhancing cob development, grain formation, kernel density, and overall yield. Overall, the findings suggest that integrated nitrogen management with Boron @ 3 kg/ha, particularly through full urea application or partial organic/biofertilizer substitution, is effective in improving maize growth, productivity, and grain quality under the experimental conditions. This approach can serve as a practical recommendation for maximizing maize yield while promoting sustainable nutrient management.

References

1. Ahmed N, Parry GA, Bhat SA, Rasool F. Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of maize at high altitude cold areas of Kashmir. Adv Life Sci. 2016;5(9):3534-3536.
2. Ali S, Noorudin A, Ameri-Al HA Baydaa. Agronomic efficiency of Zn-DTPA and boric acid fertilizers applied in calcareous Iraqi soil. Iraqi J Agric Sci. 2015;46(6):11171122.
3. Aliyas A, Usman M, Ullah E, Warraich EA. Effects of different phosphorus levels on growth and yield of two cultivars of maize (Zea mays L.). Int J Agric Biol. 2023;5(4):632-634.
4. Baharvand Z, Zahedi H, Sharghi Y, Seifolahinic S. Comparative assessment of conventional and organic nutrient management on yield and yield components of three corn cultivars. Int J Biosci. 2014;4:281-287.
5. Broadley M, Ali H, Kendig A. Impact of nitrogen and boron application on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Crop J Res Sci. 2007;15(2):153-157.
6. Dutta D, Kumar V, Singh S. Effect of nitrogen, FYM and Azotobacter interaction on rhizospheric population of Azotobacter and yield of maize in Mollisol of Uttarakhand. Bio-Sci Bioeng Biotechnol. 2014;1:11-15.
7. Hassim M, Dhar S, Vyas AK, Pramesh V, Kumar V. Integrated nutrient management in maize (Zea mays L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. Indian J Agron. 2015;60(3):352-359.
8. Omar AEA. Effect of FYM and phosphorus fertilization on yield and its components of maize (Zea mays L.). Asian J Crop Sci. 2014;6:1-12.
9. Raman R, Suganaya K. Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of hybrid maize. Open Access J Agric Res. 2018;3(2).
10. Sah ST, Hussain T, Zamir MS, Ibni A, Waseem MW, Asghav M, et al. Growth and yield response of maize (Zea mays L.) to organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen. Pak J Life Soc Sci. 2019;7(2):108-111.
11. Shakoor A, Ashraf M, Sah L, Ali A, Khan A, Sher A, et al. Impact of farmyard manure, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on maize crop. Acad Res J Agric Sci Res. 2015;3(8):219-223.
12. Singh L, Kumar S, Singh K, Singh D. Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes of maize (Zea mays L.). J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2017;6(5):1625-1628.
13. Tetrawal JP, Baldev R, Meena DS. Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in rain-fed maize (Zea mays L.). Indian J Agron. 2011;56(4):373-376.
14. Reddy UVB, Reddy GP, Reddy NS, Kavitha P. Effect of different nitrogen and phosphorus levels on growth and yield of maize during kharif season. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2018;7(1):3548-3555.
15. Wang S, Cheng L, Zhang J, Liu W. Effects of boron deficiency and toxicity on maize growth and photosynthesis. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2019;135:326-334.
16. Halder NK, Rafiuddin MD, Siddiky MA, Gomes R, Begam KA. Performance of Gladiolus as influenced by boron and zinc. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences: PJBS. 2007;10(4):581-5.