Effect of drip fertigation of nitrogen, potassium and microbail consortium on growth and yield of Rabi maize (Zea mays l.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Water Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, and Hyderabad during Rabi 2018-19 on “Drip fertigation of nitrogen, potassium and microbial consortium in rabi maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted (laid out) in randomized block design with DHM-117 and replicated thrice. The treatments comprises of drip fertigation of 100% RD N&K, drip fertigation of 100% RD N&K with soil application of microbial consortium (MC), drip fertigation of 100% RD N&K with biofertigation of MC three times, drip fertigation of 100% RD N&K with biofertigation of MC five times, drip fertigation of 75% RD N&K, drip fertigation of 75% RD N&K with soil application of MC, drip fertigation of 75% RD N&K with biofertigation of MC three times and drip fertigation of 75% RD N&K with biofertigation of MC five times. The interaction effect between RD N&K and biofertigation of MC was not significant on growth parameters and yield. Higher plant height, number of leaves plant-1 and DMP were recorded with fertigation of 100% RD N&K over 75% RD N&K at all growth stages except at 30 DAS. Significantly higher growth parameters i.e. height of plant, leaf number plant-1 and DMP at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest was observed among biofertigation of MC five times and three times compared to treatment where MC was not applied and was on par with soil application of MC. Similarly, yield (grain and stover) were recorded maximum with biofertigation of MC five times and three times which were on par with soil application of MC and superior to treatment where MC was not applied.