Effect of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth, yield and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2018 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 6.7), low in organic carbon (0.35%), available N (230 kg ha-1), available P (20 kg ha-1) and available K (189 kg ha-1). The experiment consists of 3 levels of nitrogen (80 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 120 kg ha-1) and 3 concentration of zinc applied as foliar spray (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%). There were 9 treatments each replicated thrice and laid out in a Randomised Block Design. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 in combination with 1.5% zinc conc. recorded maximum plant height and number of cobs. This combination has also recorded maximum cob weight with husk (81.46 g), green cob yield (7.26 t ha-1). Maximum net return (Rs 146134.91) was also seen in the same treatment.