Comparative Response Studies on Organic Amendments and Leguminous Intercropping on Maize (Zea mays L.) Agronomic Traits and Photosynthetic Activity

Abstract

The present study aimed to optimize a suitable nutrient management practice with the co-application of organic amendments and leguminous intercropping for sustainable maize production. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022-’23 in randomized block design following ten treatments. Maize (hybrid COH (M) 6) seeds were sown in rows at a spacing of 60ⅹ25 cm following the treatments: T1 - Absolute control, T2 – Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) alone, T3 - RDF + Poultry Manure (4t ha-1), T4 - RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1), T5 - RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T6 - RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T7 - 75 % RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T8 - 75% RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T9 - 50% RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T10 - 50% RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping. Observations for plant height, dry matter production (DMP), and Relative Chlorophyll Content (RCC) were recorded at different phenological stages on 30, 45, and 60 DAS. The results showed that the treatment T5 amended with poultry manure recorded the highest growth attributes and yield during the two consecutive seasons, followed by T6, T7, and T8, whereas the lowest was in T1. While comparing growth and yield attributes in in the second season (Rabi 2022-’23), the treatments T7 and T8 with 75 % RDF + FYM/poultry manure remarked substantial yield increase. The results suggest that co-application of organic manures like poultry manure or FYM with reduced dosages of mineral fertilizer, could be recommended as an optimal nutrient management strategy for sustainable maize production.