Integrating soil amendments with micronutrients enhances growth and grain formation of maize (Zea mays L.) in the acidic soils of India's Eastern Sub-Himalayan Region

Abstract

Maize is a major cereal crop valued for its food, feed and industrial use. However, its physiological growth is arrested in soil having acidity and micronutrients deficiency. To address this issue, the present experiment was conducted to investigate maize performance through application of soil amendments and micronutrients (Zn and B) in acid soil. The main plots consisted of treatments with agricultural lime, wood ash, and no amendments, while the sub-plots received four micronutrients (Zn and B) treatments, laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Integrated application of soil amendments and micronutrients (Zn and B) significantly improved growth and yield attributes across the years. Agricultural lime @ 1.5 t ha-1 recorded tallest plant followed by wood ash @ 5 t ha-1 and control. Among the micronutrient treatments, soil applied micronutrients recorded tallest plant than foliar applied at 30 days after sowing (DAS) while, foliar sprays achieved tallest plant at 60, 90 and 120 DAS. Number of cob plant-1 and number of grains cob-1 significantly improved with integration of amendments and micronutrients, whereas, number of rows cob-1 and seed index observed significant with micronutrients treatments, across the years. The integrated application of soil amendments (Lime and wood ash) along with soil and foliar Zn and B, significantly enhanced maize physiological growth. Lime application consistently outperformed than wood ash. Among micronutrients, two foliar application followed by soil applied micronutrients (Zn and B) proved most effective in boosting physiological functions, cob and grain formation. The synergy between soil amendment and micronutrient strategies led to marked improvements in grain formation. These results confirmed that soil amendments and micronutrients interventions unlocked the near maximum genetic potential of maize under acid soil conditions.