Influence of Super Absorbent Polymer and Humic Acid on Maize Yield and Nutrient Uptake on Rainfed Alfisols

Abstract

The advances and development in agriculture depend not only on mechanization and new hybrid seeds but also on the improvement of soil physical and chemical properties which in turn help to increase crop productivity in dry land soils. A field study was carried out to study the influence of superabsorbent polymer at 2.5 and 4.5 kg ha-1and humic acid at 15 and 30 kg ha-1 alone and their combinations with recommended 100% fertilizers on yield, uptake, and photosynthetic pigments of maize grown on rainfed alfisols at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, consisting of nine treatments. Further, results showed that conjoint application of hydrogel@4.5 kg ha-1 + humic acid@30 kg ha-1 along with 100% RDF package significantly increased the pooled grain and stover yield (7136 and 8457 kg ha-1) of maize. Irrespective level of hydrogel and humic acid combinations with 100% RDF increased the macronutrient uptake by grain and stover, which further build up the total uptake. A similar pattern was also observed in corresponding to grain and stover yield.The chlorophyll “a”, “b” and total chlorophyll content (1.81, 1.69 1.54; 0.69, 0.62, 0.55 and 2.65, 2.46 and 2.24 mg g-1 in fresh plant weight at 30, 60 and 90 DAS) significantly influenced by application of hydrogel@4.5 kg ha-1+ humic acid@30 kg ha-1.  In conclusion, the present investigation indicates the positive interaction between humic acid and super absorbent polymer which improved nutrient uptake and maize yield.