Influence of integrated nutrient management involving biochar, lignite and urban compost on growth, yield and dry matter production of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management involving biochar, lignite and urban compost on growth, yield attributes and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, dry matter production and SPAD chlorophyll readings, along with yield attributes and yield, were recorded at different crop growth stages. Growth parameters were significantly influenced by treatments at critical stages, indicating differential response of sweet corn to integrated nutrient management practices. Among the treatments, T₃ (100% RDF + biochar @ 5 t ha⁻¹ + microbial consortia @ 5 L ha⁻¹) consistently recorded higher leaf area index, dry matter production and SPAD values, reflecting improved photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation. Yield attributes such as cob length and number of rows per cob were also significantly higher under T₃, followed by T₅ and T₄, while the lowest values were observed under the control treatment. Consequently, T₃ recorded the highest green cob yield and green fodder yield. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between dry matter production at harvest and both green cob yield and green fodder yield, indicating that enhanced biomass accumulation played a key role in improving productivity. The results suggest that integration of biochar with recommended dose of fertilizers and microbial consortia is an effective strategy for enhancing growth and yield of sweet corn under integrated nutrient management systems.