Improved technology for sustainable production of maize (Zea mays) in Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh

Traditional method of maize cultivation has accelerated the process of water induced soil erosion and thereby reduced the production potential of the land. Improved crop production technology has the potential to sustain maize yield by improving soil productivity. Different sets of treatments were tested at 15 locations in farmers’ fields for three consecutive kharif seasons (2001–2003) at village Johranpur in district Solan of Himachal Pradesh. The treatments were farmer's practice (T1), recommended package of practices (T2), integrated nutrient management with 25 per cent N replacement by FYM (T3) and improved practice with addition of ZnS04 in T3 treatment (T4). Treatment T4 proved to be the best in terms of crop yield, nutrient uptake, gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio. The grain and stover yield of maize increased by 1.36 to 1.68 and 1.52 to 1.71 times, respectively under different treatments over farmer's practice. The net return increased by Rs. 6,612/-, 9,491/- and 10,033/- in T2, T3 and T4 respectively over T1 (farmer's practice). Treatment T4was found to be the most economic with BC ratio of 2.71 in comparison to 1.65, 2.27 and 2.70 in case of T1 T2 and T3 treatments, respectively.