Effect of foliar fertilization of nano urea and 2% urea on yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

The field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2022 at experimental farm of NEBCRC, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) in maize (Zea mays L.) to assess the effect of nano urea and 2% urea on yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and economics. The experiment was planned in a randomized block design with 12 treatment combinations each replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed the increase in grain yield, biological yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits by the application of 100% RDN (120 kg N/ha) along with 2 foliar sprays of nano urea or 2% urea at KH and PT stages but it did not vary statistically and remained at par with 5/6^th RDN + 2 foliar sprays of nano urea and 100% RDN. The higher grain yield (7,288 kg/ha), biological yield (21,064 kg/ha) were obtained in 100% RDN + 2 foliar sprays of nano urea whereas the maximum total N, P and K uptake by the crop were obtained in 100% RDN + 2 foliar sprays of 2% urea applied at KH and PT stages. Economic parameters did not vary significantly among 100% RDN, 100% RDN + 1 or 2 foliar spray of nano urea, 100% RDN + 2 foliar sprays of 2% urea and 5/6^th RDN + 2 foliar sprays of nano urea. However, application of 100% RDN with 2 foliar sprays of nano urea recorded maximum gross and net returns whereas a higher B:C ratio was noted under 100% RDN + 2 foliar sprays of 2% urea. Overall, the 5/6^th RDN + 2 foliar sprays of nano urea or 2% urea at the KH and PT stages can be recommended to farmers for enhancing the crop productivity and profitability in maize compared to 100% RDN.