Effect of slow releasing soil conditioner Zypmite on the yield and yield attributes of Maize in Kosi Region

Abstract

Among the important cereal crop of the world Maize (Zea mays L.) stands at third both in area sown and production after wheat and rice in India. It accounts for around 10 percent of total food grain production in the country. A study has been formulated to understand the effect of the soil conditioner Zypmite plus (slow releasing soil conditioner) on Maize in the Kosi region of Bihar. Intensive cultivation of the soil aggravates the demand for secondary nutrients and micro nutrients. To improve productivity and manage soil health, use of these nutrients is very essential. Major nutrients NPK are required for growth and development of the Maize crop. But majorly, nutrient requirements vary reliant on the growth stage of Maize. At different growth stages, different sets of nutrients are required. Zypmite is a Soil Conditioner, containing secondary nutrients such as sulphur, calcium, magnesium along with micro-nutrients zinc and boron. Zypmite, when applied along with recommended dose of fertilizer had an impact on maize crop in both the years of study. Doses of 125 kg/ha of Zypmite plus (50 kg/acre) and 187.5 kg/ha of Zypmite plus (75 kg/acre) along with recommended dose of fertilizer were performing better than recommended dose of fertilizer. Soil nutrient availability was also improved by using Zypmite plus for both macro nutrients and micro nutrients.