Effect of enriched vermicompost on nutrient uptake and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur during kharif, 2024 to study the effect of enriched vermicompost on nutrient uptake and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). An experiment was laid in RBD design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of vermicompost enriched with Azospirillum @ 10 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 10 kg ha-1 + FeSO₄ @ 10 kg ha-1 + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ @ 0.5% at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake and maximum gross returns (₹ 2,80,410 ha-1), net returns (₹ 2,10,001 ha-1) and B:C (3.98). However, application of vermicompost enriched with Azospirillum @ 10 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 10 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at 45 DAS and application of vermicompost enriched with Azospirillum @ 10 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 10 kg ha-1 + FeSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.5% at 45 DAS which were found on par with each other with respect to nutrient uptake and economics. Further, least nutrient uptake and economic returns were noticed in control treatment.