Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2021 at the Research Farm of Raj Mohini Devi College of Agriculture and Research Station, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments comprising different levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) applied alone and in combination with farmyard manure (FYM @ 5 t ha⁻ ¹), replicated three times. Application of 150% RDF resulted in significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributes and yields. Maximum kernel yield (9.42 t ha⁻ ¹), stover yield (12.66 t ha⁻ ¹), net return (₹1,53,131 ha⁻ ¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.98) were recorded under 150% RDF, which remained statistically at par with 125% RDF and 100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha⁻ ¹. Integrated nutrient management proved to be an effective strategy for sustainable maize production.