Response of maize (Zea mays) hybrids to nutrient management practices for enhancing productivity and profitability under sub-humid condition of Southern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive years of 2013 and 2014 to find out the response of nutrient expert-decision support systems based on the principle of site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) for achieving targeted yield of maize (Zea mays L.). This approach estimated high dose of N and K and low dose of P over recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to evaluate the response of hybrid under this experiment. Growth parameters, yield, nutrient uptake, harvest index and partial factor productivity of P and K and apparent recovery of N and P and economics were significantly higher with SSNM over RDF and farmer's fertilizer practices (FFP). Yield attributes, harvest index and partial factor productivity of N and apparent recovery of K were found at par with RDF. Among the hybrids, ‘CMH-08-292’ recorded maximum plant growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake, which was found statistically at par with ‘CMH-08-350’. SSNM gave significantly higher net returns (66, 350/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.60) over RDF and FFP. Among the hybrids, ‘CMH-08-292’ recorded maximum gross returns (84, 686/ha), net returns (60, 120/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.41), which was at par with ‘CMH-08-350’. The interaction effect revealed that the highest grain yield (7.90 t/ha), net returns (84, 723/ha), and benefit: cost ratio (3.27) obtained with ‘CMH-08-292’ under SSNM. Hence, it is concluded that SSNM along with suitable high yielding hybrids are recommended for enhancing yield and profitability of maize under sub-humid condition of Southern Rajasthan and similar ecologies elsewhere.