Effect of tillage and use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield components of maize.

Tillage is an important crop production practice which affects crop performance. It was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. An experiment was conducted during the spring and autumn crop seasons 2009-2010.The objective of the trial was to compare the effect of three different tillage regimes namely, deep tillage, conventional tillage and zero tillage, and four fertilizer levels. Results showed that plant height, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and dry matter were maximum with deep tillage as compared to conventional and zero tillage. Comparing the seasons, the overall better plant height, 1000grain weight, grain yield and dry matter were gained during autumn season due to its crop residue effect and supplemental fertilizer. Therefore, considering the environmental conditions, the deep tillage with recommended dose of organic and inorganic fertilizer performed best and provided more vegetative growth, grain yield and dry matter in maize. Residual effects and supplemental fertilizer application in maize production were greater than fresh maize production.