Effect of spacing and gibberellic acid on green fodder yield attributes and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experimental plot's soil was sandy loam in texture, with a nearly neutral pH of 7.1, moderate organic carbon content (0.53%), low available nitrogen (165.48 kg/ha), medium levels of available phosphorus (27.52 kg/ha), and high available potassium (212.36 kg/ha). The treatments involved three levels of Gibberellic acid, three different spacings, and one control. The experiment was designed in a randomized block layout with 10 treatments, each replicated three times. The treatment with spacing of 60 x 30 cm and Gibberellic acid at 200 ppm (treatment 9) produced significantly higher plant density (8.03 plants/m²) and green fodder yield (11,024.30 kg/ha). This treatment also yielded the highest gross return (INR 88,194.00/ha), net return (INR 54,194.00/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (1.51). It can be concluded that the combination of 60 x 30 cm spacing and Gibberellic acid at 200 ppm resulted in the highest yield and most favorable benefit-cost ratio for maize.