Influence of planting density and nitrogen management on growth and productivity of maize in eastern India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 for exploring the effect of planting density and N management on hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) in eastern India at the experimental farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Gauria Karma, Jharkhand. The treatments comprised of three planting densities viz., 67.5 cm × 20 cm (D1), 67.5 cm x 22 cm (D2) and 67.5 cm × 25 cm (D3) in main-plots and five nitrogen management practices viz., control, farmers practices (FP), RDNconventional, 75 per cent RDN-SSB (sub-surface band placement) and RDN-SSB in sub-plots and replicated thrice. The results of the study indicated that the growth parameters, viz plant height, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation and net assimilation rate was significantly higher at D1. However, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate was obtained highest in D2 and D3, respectively. Similarly, these growth parameters were enhanced by RDN-SSB. However, significantly higher grain yield was obtained with D2 with RDN-SSB. Further, statistically at par growth parameters as well as grain yield was obtained under RDNconventional and 75 per cent RDN-SSB which shows that saving of 25 per cent N could be achieved through sub-surface band placement. It was concluded that of growing of maize with 67.5 cm × 22 cm spacing and fertilization with recommended dose of N as sub-surface band placement is recommended for yield maximization and saving of 25 per cent N can be achieved with sub surface band placement without any yield penalty and benefit-cost ratio is also higher at 67.5 cm × 22 cm in Eastern region of India.