Productivity, protein content and economics of quality protein maize (QPM) as influenced by integrated nutrient management practices

In North Eastern Region (NER) of India, an imbalance supply of fertilizers and lack of proper recommendations of fertilizer application for hybrid maize leading to a wide gap in yield. Thus, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2011 on the Experimental Farm of the College of Post Graduate Studies (CAU-Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya to evaluate the effect of in-situ green manuring of intercropped cowpea (Vigna uniguiculata L) and combined application of fertilizer with FYM on productivity, protein content and economic returns of quality protein maize (QPM). Higher yield attributes, yield and economic return over sole maize were recorded due to green manuring in maize though the difference for most of the parameters between the treatments was statistically at par. Grain yield obtained from green manured maize plots (5.39 t ha-1) was 22 per cent higher as compared to sole maize (4.42 t ha-1). Among the integrated nutrient management practices, maximum yield (5.64 t ha-1) of maize was recorded in 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM 5 t ha-1 which was at par with 50% RDF + FYM 7.5 t ha-1 (5.50 t ha-1), RDF (5.36 t ha-1) and 75% RDF + FYM 2.5 t ha-1 (4.83 t ha-1) but significantly superior over 50% RDF + FYM 7.5 t ha-1 (4.53 t ha-1) and control (3.58 t ha-1). The highest economic return was recorded under 75% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 (Rs. 30,300 ha-1) however; maximum benefit cost ratio (1.99) was obtained from RDF alone. Thus, treatment 75% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 was proved as the best combination for higher productivity of QPM in hill ecosystems of NER.