Effect of boron, zinc and FYM on growth, yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.): A review

Abstract

Maize is an exhaustible crop that is highly nutritional requirement for their growth. The productivity of the crop depends on nutrient management system. It is a heavy feeder on fertilizer. Hence it should meet its requirement in order to complete its growing period. Highest productivity of crops in sustainable manner without deteriorating the soil and other natural resources could be achieved only by applying appropriate combination of different organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. Boron is one of the essential nutrients for the optimum growth, development, yield, and quality of crops. In the early stages of maize, deficiency of phosphorous, potassium and zinc inhibit the growth due to its small root interface. Prior to the full development of root system the essential nutrients should be supplied to juvenile maize which may likely promote the growth. Zinc plays a key role as a structural constituent or regulatory co-factor of a wide range of different enzymes in many important biochemical pathways and these are mainly concerned with carbohydrate metabolism, both in photosynthesis and in the conversion of sugars to starch, protein metabolism, auxin (growth regulator) metabolism, pollen formation, the maintenance of the integrity of biological membranes, the resistance to infection by certain pathogens. Due to intensive cultivation, use of hybrid varieties which absorb more nutrients, reduction in application of organic manures like FYM which supply these nutrient and intensive cropping system resulted depletion of Zn and K in soil. The application of FYM also enhanced the availability of plant nutrient as well as improving the soil chemical, biological and physical properties of soil. FYM is a store house of nutrient, which contain all essential plant nutrients.