Evaluation of precision nutrient tools and nutrient optimization in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancement of growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency Sairam Masina, Maitra Sagar, Sahoo Upasana*, Sagar Lalichetti, Krishna Tadiboina Gopala Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, Odisha, India *(e mail: upasana.sahoo@cutm.ac.in)
Online published on 25 December, 2023. Abstract Modern agriculture relies heavily on inputs, with nutrient application being a significant cost factor and a critical driver of crop productivity. Maize, a nutrient-demanding cereal crop, necessitates precise nutrient management to enhance yields. Optimizing nutrient application in maize is essential for timely nutrient supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. Considering these facts, a field study for two consecutive years during 2021-22 and 2022-23 rabi season was conducted by considering 13 nutrient management treatments, which were replicated three times. The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with its higher and lower levels in combination with nutrients prescribed by different precision nutrient management tools and the foliar application of nano urea. Among different nutrient management practices, the treatment chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90- 95% resulted in taller plant height (240 cm), leaf area (3259 cm2/plant), dry matter accumulation (2069 g/m2) and stem girth (8.1 cm) at harvest. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/plant (1.78), number of grains/cob (239.3), weight of cob (312 g) and number of rows/cob (14.4) were also significantly superior to RDF with the former treatment. As a result, the treatment consisting of chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% produced significantly higher grain (7.74 t/ha), stover (12.40 t/ha) and biological yield (20.12 t/ha) as well as registered higher agronomic nutrient use efficiency. The study concludes that chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% can be adopted in maize cultivation for enhancing growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency. Top Keywords Agronomic efficiency, Chlorophyll content meter, Leaf colour chart, Nutrient expert, Yield. Top |