Response of babycorn (Zea Inays) to nitrogen and land configuration in Response of babycorn (Zea Inays) to nitrogen and land configuration Meghalaya

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2001 and 2002 to study the effect of different land configuration methods and nitrogen doses on growth, yield and economics of babycorn (Zea ntays L.). The results showed that paired row sowing on broadbed and furrow recorded maximum babycom, green fodder yield and nitrogen uptake. Maximum net return (Rs 45 120) was realized with broadbed and furrow method, while benefit: cost ratio was higher with paired row sowing on flatbed. Functional leaves were maximum with flatbed sowing+ earthing. Application of nitrogen at increased level reduced the days of babycorn initiation but increased the harvest period. Increasing levels of nitrogen application increased babycorn as well as green fodder yield up to 80 kg N/ha, while nitrogen uptake was maximum with 120 kg N/ha. Maximum net return ofRs 46 800 realized with 120 kg N/ha was 6.05, 25.03 and 63.. 18 % higher with 80, 40 and 0 kg N/ha respectively. The quadratic response equation indicated optimum nitrogen level of 10 1987 kg/ha with expected yield levels of 1224.50 kg/ha with paired row sowing on broadbed and furrow method. The apparent recovery was also maximum with the same land configuration method at all nitrogen levels. Highest apparent recovery and response of additional dose of nitrogen application were maximum with lower nitrogen dose, which subsequently decreased with the increase in nitrogen level irrespective of land configuration methods.