Response of nitrogen and zinc on growth and yield of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

The study entitled “Response of nitrogen and zinc on growth and yield of kharif maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, during monsoon season of 2018. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications which comprised of seven treatments that includes three levels of nitrogen (90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1) along with two levels of zinc sulphate (15 and 25 kg ha-1) and control. It was revealed from the present investigation that growth parameters (plant height and dry matter production), grain and fodder yield were significantly affected by different combination of nitrogen and zinc levels. Significantly maximum plant height, dry matter production, grain and fodder yield per ha-1 was noted in treatment combination that comprised of 150kg N + 25kg ZnSo4 against significantly minimum in plots with zero application of both nitrogen and zinc (Control). Regarding economics of different treatments combinations of nitrogen and zinc levels on maize crop, 150kg N in combination with 25kg ZnSo4 ha-1recorded highest total cost of cultivation, gross and net return as well as benefit cost ratio.