Influence of seed rate, nitrogen and zinc on fodder maize (Zea mays) in temperate conditions of western Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted at Shalimar, Srinagar during 2009 and 2010, to study the effect of seed rate and nitrogen and zinc fertilization on yield and quality of fodder maize ( Zea mays L.) var. J-1006. Application of N @ 120 kg/ha has resulted significantly higher plant height, leaf area index, green fodder yield, nitrogen content and its uptake, zinc content and its uptake, Ca content and crude protein content. Seed rate of 60 and 80 kg/ha being at par, recorded significantly higher plant height, leaf area index and green fodder yield over 40 kg/ha. Zinc application @ 10 kg/ha, significantly increased plant height, leaf area index and green fodder yield. N and Zn con- tent and their uptake while Ca and crude protein content remain unaffected. Net returns and B:C ratio were re- corded highest with 120 kg N/ha, 80 kg seed/ha and 10 kg Zn/ha.