Yield and economics of sweet corn (Zea mays) as affected by plant population and fertility levels

A field experiment was conducted at Jashipur, Orissa during rabi (dry) season of 2002-03 and 2003-04 to study the effect of plant population (1 11 .I, 83.3, 66.7 and 55.6 x 103/ha) and fertility levels (0-0-0, 40-8.7-1 6.7, 80-1 7.5- 33.3 and 120-26.2-50 kg NPWha) on yield and economics of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Application of 120-26.2-50 kg NPK to 83.3 x IOlants/ha produced 16.48 tlha green cobs, which was 7.6% more than of 66.7 x lo3 plantslha with same level of fertility. It gave the maximum net profit of Rs 54,453/ha, followed by Rs 49,4391ha with 66.7 x 1 O3 plantslha fertilized with 120-26.2-50 kg NPWha. The benefit : cost ratio was the maximum with 83.3 x 10lants fertilized with 120-26.2-50 kg NPWha. The increase in fertility level linearly increased the green-fodder yield. Maxi- mum fodder yield (37.49 - 41.56 tlha) was attained with application of 120-26.2-50 kg NPWha. Hence, a plant population of 83.3 x 1 03/ha with fertility level 120-26.2-50 kg NPWha should be adopted to obtain the maximum green-cob yield and net profit from sweet corn in Orissa.