Optimizing Input Management Practices for Sustainable Maize Production

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different input management practices on the growth, biomass production and yield of maize. The study was carried out during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Seven nutrient management practices were tested in combination with pest management practices. The treatments included a 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through inorganic sources, 50% RDF through inorganic and 50% through organic sources, SPAD-based nitrogen management, and the addition of insecticide application. The results showed that the treatment with SPAD-based nitrogen management and insecticide application (N6) resulted in the highest plant height (200.3 cm at 120 DAS), leaf area index (4.5 at 90 DAS), biomass production (19,156 kg ha-1 at harvest) and crop growth rate (24.2 g m-2 day-1 at 90-120 DAS). This treatment also recorded the maximum total biomass (19,538.33 kg ha-1), stover yield (7,103.33 kg ha-1), grain yield (9,896.67 kg ha-1), and harvest index (49.65%), which were significantly superior to the farmer's practice (N7). In conclusion, the nutrient management practice with SPAD-based nitrogen management and insecticide application can be an effective tool for maximizing the productivity of the maize crop.