Vol. 11, Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
A Senthilkumar, B Bhakiyathu Saliha, P Saravana Pandian, R Thamizh Vendan and A Gurusamy

Abstract:
Maize (Zea mays L.) has high yield potential. Its productivity depends mainly upon nutrient management. Appropriate timing with effective fertilizer application methods and improper water and nutrient management are the two main factors that adversely affect the growth and crop productivity under deficit and excess water conditions in maize response to fertilizer through nutrient supplements and reduction of nutrient loss. The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Agricultural College, and Research Institute, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, during the summer season of 2022 to study various sources and fertilizers' levels to influence under deficit and excess water conditions on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). The study revealed that excess water condition in moisture regime irrigations at Irrigation water / Cumulative Pan Evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio of 1.0 along with nutrient management practices (N₈) 125% Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) - NPK soil application by 1% foliar spray of micronutrient mixture. Significantly higher of mean values dry matter production (DMP) (16,401 kg ha^-1), plant height (249 cm) and yield (8,521 kg ha^-1) was comparable with IW/CPE ratio of 0.8, 0.6 along with other nutrient management practices at 100% and 75% STCR - NPK followed by foliar sprays 2% NPK (19:19:19) and Pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) 1%. Hence, under a normal water availability situation, irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 was good enough to produce a higher yield, while under deficit and excess water conditions IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 along with 125% STCR-NPK by foliar spray of micronutrient mixture of 1% was suitable for obtaining optimum nutrient management for enhancing growth and yield of maize.