Optimizing productivity and profitability of Rabi maize (Zea mays L.) through irrigation scheduling and integrated nutrient management practices in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Dr J K Singh; Ankur  Singh; Deeptirekha  Mahapatra; Alok  Sinha

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i6.172077

Authors

Dr J K Singh Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005
Ankur Singh Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005
Deeptirekha Mahapatra Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005
Alok Sinha ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i6.172077

Keywords:

Economics, Integrated nutrient management, Irrigation scheduling, Poultry manure, Seaweed extract

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Agricultural Research Farm, BHU, Varanasi, to determine the most suitable irrigation level and integrated nutrient management (INM) strategy for Rabi maize. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four irrigation levels viz.,1.0 IW/CPE throughout crop growth (I₁); 0.6 IW/CPE ratio during the vegetative phase (VP) fb 1.0 IW/CPE ratio during the reproductive phase (RP) (I₂); 0.8 IW/CPE during VP fb 1.0 IW/CPE during RP (I₃); and 1.0 IW/CPE during VP fb 1.2 IW/CPE during RP (I₄) in the main plots and five INM practices, that is, 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) (N₁); 75% RDF + 15% RDN (Recommended dose of Nitrogen) 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 tank mix (N₅) in subplots. Results showed that I₁ produced the highest kernel yield (9,028 kg/ha) and stover yield (17,688 kg/ha), registering 9% and 12% increases over I₂, respectively, with an additional net return of ₹17,667 but remained statistically at par with I₄. Among the INM practices, N₅ yielded kernel yield (8,897 kg/ha) and stover yield (17,280 kg/ha), which was 7.9% and 8.1% higher than N₁, though comparable with N₄. The synergistic interaction I₁N ₁ achieved the highest kernel yield (9,317 kg/ha) and stover yield (18,197 kg/ha), with 18% and 21% increases, respectively, over I₂N₁, accompanied by an additional net return of ₹20,791. These findings affirm the importance of maintaining consistent soil moisture and combining RDF with organic and biological nutrient sources to maximize Rabi maize productivity and profitability.

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Author Biographies

Dr J K Singh, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005

Professor
Agronomy
Ankur Singh, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005

Ph.D. Scholar, Agronomy
Deeptirekha Mahapatra, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005

Ph.D. Scholar, Agronomy
Alok Sinha, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012

Ph.D. Scholar, Agronomy

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