Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizer combination with mulching on yield and quality of Kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Agricultural Research Farm to study the impact of organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations with mulching on Kharif maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations, including three mulching treatments: no mulch (M1), dust mulch (M2), and mustard straw mulch at 7 t ha⁻¹ (M3), and five fertilizer treatments: 100% RDF (S1), 75% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure (S2), 100% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure (S3), 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM (S4), and 100% RDF + 25% N through FYM (S5). The RDF was 150 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅, and 60 kg K₂O ha⁻¹. Results indicated that dust mulch (M2) significantly improved growth, yield attributes, grain yield, stover yield, harvest index, nutrient uptake, and quality parameters. Among fertilizers, 100% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure (S3) was most effective. The combination of integrated nutrient management and mulching significantly enhanced maize productivity, quality, and profitability.