Effect of balanced nutrition on yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility of maize (Zea mays) in Vertisol of Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, there Is yield gap due to inadequate and imbalance supply of fertilizers and lack of distinct fertilizer recommendations for plenty of varieties and hybrids of maize (Zea mays L). To bridge this gap, a field experiment was conducted during July-October of 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 to study the effect of balanced inorganic fertilizers on yield and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in Peelamedu soil series at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The nutrient sorption study was conducted to evaluate optimum nutrient treatment (ONT). The optimum nutrient requirements were fixed as 200:60:25:10 kg N:P:K:Zn/ha for this soil series belongs to the order of Vertisol. The experiment was laid out in RBD replicated thrice with 13 treatments of different levels of inorganic fertilizers. The grain and stover yield of maize as influenced by various levels of fertilizers in this soil series was found to be significant and the highest grain and stover yield (8.15. and 14.6 t/ha) was recorded in treatment that received 250:60:25:10 kg N:P:K:Zn/ha, respectively. The highest total N and Zn uptake (280.6 and 1.8 kg/ha) was noted from the application of 250:60:25:10 kg N:P:K:Zn/ha. Similarly, the maximum total P and K uptake (77.4 and 219.5 kg/ha, respectively) was observed from the enhanced levels of P and K application (200:75:25:10 and 200:60:31.25:10 kg N:P:K:Zn/ha). The available N-P-K-Zn content of soil was found to be higher due to the enhanced levels of applied nutrients to the soil. The highest net returns (38,867/ha) and net B:C ratio (1.79) were obtained in treatment of 250:60:25:10 kg N:P:K:Zn/ha.