Nutrient Management in Maize (Zea mays L.) through Varying NP Level and Bio-fertilizers

Nutrient Management in Maize

Abstract

An on-farm trial was conducted during rabi seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the farmer’s field on pre-selected different locations of Muzaffarpur district of North Bihar considering farmers as replication in order to assess the nutrient management in maize (Zea mays L.) crop through varying N, P level and bio-fertilizers. The results revealed that significant impact on grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, harvest index (%) and economics as well as on soil fertility status. The grain yield, biological yield and harvest index (%) were obtained significantly highest in the treatment i.e. N₁₀₀-P₆₀-Azotobactor+PSB as compared to N₁₀₀-P₇₅ + only Azotobacter and N₁₂₀-P₇₅K₅₀ (RDF) as well as control, where K₂O was applied 50 kg ha^-1 invariably in all the treatments. The maximum net return and B:C ratio was found in N₁₀₀-P₆₀ along with Azotobacter + PSB over N₁₀₀-P₇₅ + Azotobacter and RDF. However, the application of Azotobacter and PSB with N₁₀₀-P₆₀ was registered net positive balance status in the soil in relation to available nitrogen and phosphorus over initial soil status. Hence, application of bio-fertilizers improved fertility status of the soil in a sustainable manner.