Yield maximization of maize through nutrient management

Abstract

Unbalanced use of chemical fertilizer is a problem in the intensive cropping systems on the Northern part of Bangladesh. Proper nutrient management is essential to maximize maize production and sustain agricultural production while minimizing negative impacts on the soil fertility. The aim of the present study was to investigate nutrient dynamics, maize yields and soil fertility in response to balanced fertilization. A field experiment (20092010) was conducted at FSRD site Lahirirhat, OFRD, Rangpur during rabi season 2009-2010 to evaluate Maximizing maize production through nutrient management. Five treatments viz.T₁= N₃₀₀P₅₀K₁₅₀S₃₀, T₂=P₅₀K₁₅₀S₃₀, T₃= N₃₀₀K₁₅₀S_30, T₄= N₃₀₀P₅₀S₃₀ and T₅= N₃₀₀P₅₀K₁₅₀were evaluated for this purpose. The result indicated that the highest grain yield (8.37 t/ha) was found from T₁= N₃₀₀P₅₀K₁₅₀S₃₀ treatment. The lowest grain yield (7.33 t/ha) was obtained from T₂=P₅₀K₁₅₀S₃₀ treatment. The gross return (Tk.100107/ha) and gross margin (Tk.44951/ha) was higher with T₁ and T₃ treated plot. It may be concluded that proper nutrient management may be the good alternatives for maximizing maize yield and management of soil health at Rangpur region in Bangladesh.

Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 428-434, 2016