Nutrient optimization strategy for sustainable productivity of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) in Palaviduthi (Pvd) series of soils of Tamil Nadu.

摘要

The study was undertaken to evaluate the fertilizer optima for balanced fertilization by a systematic approach on soil fertility evaluation proposed by Portch and Hunter (1988). In nutrient sorption study, the sorption characteristics of Palaviduthi soil series were determined by both conventional and Agro Service International (ASI) method. The nutrients viz., phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) were found as limiting nutrients in this soil and these were considered as deficient nutrients. The optimum nutrient requirements were fixed as 200, 76, 88 and 7.4 kg/ha of N, P, K and Zn, respectively, for Palaviduthi soil series. Nitrogen level was fixed for optimum nutrient treatment at 200 kg/ha as prescribed by Portch and Hunter (2002) for this experimental soil series (N₂P₂K₂Zn) with a zero level and one below and one above this level of N were arrived. The field experiment was conducted with maize (COHM 5) as a test crop. The maximum grain yield of maize (7712 kg/ha) was observed with the application of 250:76:88:7.4 kg of NPK and Zn/ha and it gave the maximum net income of Rs. 35,137/ha with the benefit:cost ratio of 2.52.