Effect of twin row system and levels of nitrogen on yield and economics of rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2017-18 at College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study yield and economics of rabi maize (Zea mays l.) as influenced by twin row system and levels of nitrogen. The experiment consisted of twelve treatment combinations comprised of three row systems viz., R1: 30-45 cm x 20 cm (twin row system), R2: 30-60 cm x 20 cm (twin row system) and R3: 60 cm x 20 cm (conventional row system) relegated to main plot and four levels of nitrogen viz., N1: 80 kg N/ha, N2: 100 kg N/ha, N3: 120 kg N/ha and N4: 140 kg N/ha allotted to sub plot tested under Split Plot Design (SPT) with four replications. The results revealed that cob length and number of grains/cob was recorded higher under conventional row system of 60 cm x 20 cm while higher cob girth under twin row system of 30-60 cm x 20 cm. Twin row system of 30-60 cm x 20 cm recorded significantly higher grain yield. Among the levels of nitrogen, application of 140 kg N/ha resulted in increased length and girth of cob, number of grains/cob and protein content and thereby yields. Twin row system of 30-60 cm x 20 cm and fertilized with 140 kg N/ha fetched the highest net realization of ₹ 73233/ha with maximum benefit cost ratio of 3.31 followed by twin row system of 30-60 cm x 20 cm and fertilized with 120 kg N/ha. While conventional row system of 60 cm x 20 cm and fertilized with 80 kg N/ha recorded minimum net realization of ₹ 37039/ha with benefit cost ratio of 2.21.