Integrated nutrient management in baby corn (Zea mays)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season, 2007 at instructional farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management in baby corn (Zea mays L.). Results showed that maximum plant height and dry matter accumulation were recorded under 75% NPK + 2.25 tonnes vermicompost /ha along with biofertilizers over rest of the treatments. Significantly highest dehusked cob (baby corn) and green fodder yield were also obtained by applying 75% NPK + 2.25 tonnes vermicompost/ha + biofertilizers followed by 62.5% + 1.875 tonnes vermicompost/ha + biofertilizers and registered increase of 38.1 and 15.6, 28.2 and 15.1% over 50% NPK + 1.50 tonnes vermicompost/ha + biofertilizers and 62.5% NPK + 1.875 tonnes vermicompost/ha +biofertilizers, respectively. Application of 75% NPK along with 2.25 tonnes vermicompost/ha + biofertilizers significantly increased the available N, P and K status of soil after harvest of baby corn and recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs 26 815/ha) and benefit : cost (2.83 :1) over the rest of treatments.