Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity and Profitability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Irrigated Conditions of Punjab

(https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21790349)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025-26 at the research farm of Department of Agronomy, Rayat Bahra University Mohali to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, quality, nutrient uptake, soil fertility status, and economics of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment comprised ten treatments with different combinations of inorganic fertilizers (RDF), organic manures (vermicompost and poultry manure), and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). The results revealed that the application of 50% RDF + Poultry manure (1.5 t/ha) + Azotobacter + PSB (T₈) recorded significantly higher plant height (207 cm), leaf area index (3.42), chlorophyll content (1.52 mg g⁻¹ fresh wt.), grain yield (3693 kg ha⁻¹), and stover yield (5789 kg ha⁻¹). This treatment also demonstrated superior nutrient uptake and crude protein content and maximum economic returns with a B:C ratio of 2.2. The integrated application of organic and inorganic sources with biofertilizers proved more effective than sole inorganic fertilization, highlighting the importance of integrated nutrient management for sustainable maize production.