Influence of integrated plant nutrient supply on growth, productivity and quality of baby corn (Zea mays) in Indo-Gangetic plains

A field experiment was conducted during 2004 and 2005 on sandy clay-loam soil of university research farm, Kalyani, on baby corn (Zea mays L.). Combined application of organic sources of nutrients, viz. neem seed powder @ 1.5 tonnes/ha or karanj-cake L. @ 1.25 tonnes/ha, farmyard manure @ 7.5 tonnes/ha, commercial formulation of pelleted form of organic manures @ 0.75 tonnes/ha and organic manure rich with humus @ 1.8 tonnes/ha along with 75% recommended dose of NPK fertilizer (RDF), were effective in increasing the standard corn yield by 6.20%–40.53% over the control (100% RDF). The biomax (pelleted form of organic manure) proved most effective in increasing the dehusked corn yield (30.32%) and standard yield (40.53%) over the control. Application of organics along with chemical fertilizer improved the yield attributes, quality parameter of protein content of corn over the control. Judicious application of organic manure along with inorganic fertilizer improved fertility status of the soil (N, P, K and organic C). The maximum net return, benefit: cost ratio and removal of nutrient by baby corn (67.68, 13.88 and 90.02 kg/ha of N, P and K respectively) was obtained when the crop management was done with 75% RDF + pelleted form of organic manure.