Effect of plant geometry, graded fertility and zinc level on growth characters, yield and quality of baby corn (Zea mays L.) fodder in Bihar

Abstract

A Field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at Sabour during kharif season of 2018 to evaluate optimum plant geometry, graded fertility level and zinc level for better growth, yield and quality of baby corn (Zea mays L.) fodder. Experiment was laid out in split–plot design and replicated thrice with three plant geometry viz. P1 (40X20 cm), P2 (50X15 cm) and P3 (paired row at 50+30 x20 cm) in main plot, three levels of graded fertility (kg ha-1) viz. F1(120:60:60), F2 (150:75:75) and F3 (180:90:90) in sub plot whereas, two levels of zinc (kg zinc ha-1) viz, Z1 (2.5) and Z2 (5.0) in sub-sub plot. It may me concluded that better growth parameters, baby corn yield (14.34q ha-1), green fodder yield (267.82q ha-1) and quality parameters of green fodder recorded with paired row plant geometry. The growth parameters, baby corn yield (13.92q ha-1), green fodder yield (278.891q ha-1) and quality parameters of green fodder was improved with higher fertility level 180:90:90 kg N: P2O5:K2O ha-1. Higher level of zinc had improved growth parameters, baby corn yield (13.38q ha-1), green fodder yield (277.7q ha-1) and quality parameters of green fodder with successive increase in zinc level up to maximum level of fertility Zn2 (5.0 kg ha¬-1).