Growth and Quality Analysis of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) and Fodder as Influenced by NPK and Zn Fertility under Varying Spatial Geometry in Indo-Gangetic Plain Zone of Bihar

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season (June-August, 2018) at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, India, to assess the growth and quality of baby corn as influenced by NPK and zinc fertility approaches under varying spatial geometries in Indo-gangetic plain zone of Bihar. The experiment was laid out in split-split-plot design with three levels of spatial geometry, viz. 40×20 cm² spacing, 50×15 cm² spacing and paired row planting (30 cm spacing in between two lines in a paired-row; 50 cm between the two paired-rows and 10 cm between plants within a row) in main plot; three levels of fertility viz. 120:60:60, 150:75:75 and 180:90:90 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 in sub-plots; and two levels of zinc viz., 2.5 and 5.0 kg Zn ha^-1 in sub-sub plots, replicated thrice. Paired row planting recorded enhanced and significant increase in growth attributes, thereby registering highest baby corn yield (1.43 t ha^-1), green fodder yield (26.78 t ha^-1) and dry fodder yield (11.46 t ha^-1), as compared to conventional planting. 180:90:90 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 and 5.0 kg Zn ha^-1 enhanced the growth parameters as well as baby corn, green fodder and dry fodder yield. Paired row planting, NPK fertility @180:90:90 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha^-1 and Zn fertility levels @5.0 kg Zn ha^-1 also recorded improvement in reducing sugar, protein and zinc content of baby corn as well as nutritional quality of fodder.