Effect of phosphate rich organic manure (Prom) on kharif sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Saccharata)

Abstract

A field investigation entitled “Effect of phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) on kharif sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Saccharata)” was conducted in Kharif season of 2023-2024 at the Instructional farm, Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (Maharashtra). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments viz., T1: Absolute Control, T2: Control (No P2O5), T3: 100% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP), T4: 100% P through Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM), T5: 75% P through Phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) + 25% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP), T6: 50% P through Phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) + 50% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP), T7: 25% P through Phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) + 75% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP). The soil of the experimental plot was clayey in texture, low in available nitrogen (196.56 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (22.82 kg ha-1), high in available potassium (342.23 kg ha-1) and slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.6). The EC and organic carbon content was 0.47 dS m-1 and 0.53% respectively. The application of 100% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP) exhibited significantly higher plant height (178.40 cm), number of functional leaves plant-1 (13.83), leaf area plant-1 (33.33 dm2) and dry matter plant-1 (255.70 g) at harvest as compared to rest of nutrient management during kharif 2023- 24. This treatment was found significant but at par with the application of 25% P through Phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) + 75% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP) recorded plant height (176.20 cm), number of functional leaves plant-1 (12.40), leaf area plant-1 (31.67 dm2) and dry matter plant-1 (253.67 g) at harvest and 50% P through Phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) + 50% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP) recorded plant height (175.50 cm), number of functional leaves plant-1 (12.33), leaf area plant-1 (30.60 dm2) and dry matter plant-1 (252.83 g) at harvest. The application of 100% P through Single Super Phosphate (SSP) exhibited significantly higher green cob yield (246.00 q ha-1), and green fodder yield (456.00 q ha-1), gross monetary returns (₹ 249720 ha-1), net monetary returns (₹ 169429 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (3.11).