Optimization of bio-fertilizer and micronutrient management for sustainable growth, productivity and economic profitability of fodder maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2020-21 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Brahmanand Post Graduate College, Rath, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, on silty clay loam soil to evaluate the influence of micronutrients along with FYM and biofertilizers on the growth, yield, quality, and economics of fodder maize (variety J-1006). The study consisted of ten treatments, including control, recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), combinations of RDF with FYM, biofertilizers, and multi-micronutrient applications, arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that the combined application of RDF + biofertilizers + multi-micronutrient grade I and II (T10) produced the best overall performance in terms of growth, fodder yield, quality, and profitability. This treatment recorded the highest green fodder yield (22.80 t ha⁻¹) and dry fodder yield (3.94 t ha⁻¹), closely followed by T6 (RDF + FYM + MMN I & II) with 22.50 t ha⁻¹ green fodder and 3.91 t ha⁻¹ dry fodder yield. In contrast, the control (T1) and RDF alone (T2) showed the lowest performance among all treatments. Treatments receiving soil application of multi-micronutrient grade I (T4 and T8) performed better than those receiving foliar application of grade II (T5 and T9). Similarly, treatments integrated with biofertilizers (T7 to T10) showed comparatively superior results over FYM-based treatments (T3 to T6). Economic analysis also indicated that T10 generated the highest gross income (Rs. 1,25,381.70 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 1,01,438.70 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (4.23). Although T6 recorded the second-highest gross and net returns, T9 achieved a comparatively higher benefit-cost ratio (4.10).