Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Increased food production, a boon of green revolution had led the country to a state of self sufficiency
and pulled the country out of the ship to mouth existence. Among the various food crops cereals
namely rice and wheat have been under the main focus of this revolutionary progress. However,
maize, the queen of cereals occupies a pride place among cereal crops in India, emerged as third
most important food crop after rice and wheat as it represents 9.92 per cent of total cereal production.
It is a staple food for vast rural population of our country. Maize is cultivated in diverse production
environments ranging from temperate hill zone of Himachal Pradesh to the semi arid region of
Rajasthan. Amongst the growth inputs, mineral nutrients play a vital role not only in exploiting the
realizable potential of the crop but also to maintain sustainability of soil for agricultural production.
An exhaustive review of the nutrient balance sheet of Rajasthan agriculture reveals that constant
mining of nutrient elements through crops and subsequent insufficient addition of these nutrients
to the soil in the form of manures and fertilizers has tilted it in a negative balance (Gupta, 2001).