Effect of organic, integrated and chemical sources of nutrient on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana, Punjab, during 2015–16 and 2016–17, to study the effect of organic, integrated and chemical sources of nutrition on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Application of 50% recommended NPK + 50% N as FYM resulted in the maximum plant height, dry-matter accumulation, cob length, cob girth, grains/cobs, 100-seed weight, grain and stover yields than sole organic farming and chemical farming treatments. However, treatment with organic management package (T₂), comprising bio-fertilizer containing N and P carriers was at par with integrated application of nutrients through organic sources and fertilizers and significantly better than 100% recommended NPK application. Integrated management of nutrient application resulted in 12.52% more grain yield than 100% NPK. Treatment with organic management package (T₂) comprising bio-fertilizer containing N and P carriers exhibited 7.09% more grain yield than 100% NPK. The lowest value of growth and yield attributes was recorded with 50% N as FYM + bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter) for N + rockphosphate + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria.