Response of Different Level of Bulky Organic Manure and Biochar on Soil Parameters and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays L.) var. Surabhi

Abstract

A trial was carried out on maize in the zaid season during 2023, with the soil being of sandy loam texture. The trial followed a randomized block design and involved three different levels of NPK. Each combination of treatments was repeated three times and randomly assigned within each replication. The findings indicate that using different combinations of NPK, FYM, and Biochar at T9 - [NPK @ 120:60:40 Kg ha-1 + FYM @ 125 t ha-1 + Biochar @ 5 t ha-1] resulted in a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density. However, there was a significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and plant growth and yield characteristics. This combination yielded the best results for plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant (Kg ha-1), number of cobs per plant (Kg ha-1), seed yield (Kg ha-1), and stalk yield (Kg ha-1) in maize. Following closely was T8 - [NPK @ 60:30:20 Kg ha-1 + FYM @ 62.5 t ha-1 +Biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1]. In the analysis of various treatment combinations, it was observed that the use of NPK, FYM, and Biochar in treatment T8 - [NPK @ 60:30:20 Kg ha- 1 + FYM @ 62.5 t ha-1 + Biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1] resulted in the highest net profit of Rs. ₹86,058.97 with a cost benefit ratio of 1:2.70. This was followed by T9 - [NPK @ 120:60:40 Kg ha-1 + FYM @ 125 t ha-1 + Biochar @ 5 t ha-1], which provided a net profit of Rs. ₹84,640.83 ha-1 with a cost benefit ratio of 1:2.2.