Optimizing growth attributes of Rabi maize through irrigation levels and integrated nutrient management practices in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was carried out during 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Agricultural Research Farm, BHU, Varanasi, to evaluate suitable irrigation levels and integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies for Rabi maize. The study was conducted in a split-plot design with four irrigation levels in the main plots: 1.0 IW/CPE throughout crop growth (I₁), 0.6 IW/CPE during the vegetative phase (VP) followed by 1.0 IW/CPE during the reproductive phase (RP) (I₂), 0.8 IW/CPE during VP followed by 1.0 IW/CPE during RP (I₃), and 1.0 IW/CPE during VP followed by 1.2 IW/CPE during RP (I₄). Subplots consisted of five INM practices: 100% RDF (N₁); 75% RDF + 15% RDN through poultry manure + biofertilizers (N₂); 75% RDF + 15% RDN through poultry manure + 5% vermiwash (N₃); 75% RDF + 15% RDN through poultry manure + 5% seaweed extract (N₄); and 75% RDF + 15% RDN through poultry manure + biofertilizers + 5% each of vermiwash and seaweed extract as a tank mix (N₅). Results revealed that I₁ recorded the highest plant height, leaf area index, SPAD value and crop growth rate, though it was statistically similar to I₄. Among integrated nutrient management practices higher growth parameters was recorded under N₅ but at par with N₄. Overall, the study highlights that maintaining adequate soil moisture along with integrating chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-stimulants can substantially enhance the growth of Rabi maize.