Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to varying fertigation levels under drip irrigation in Ghataprabha command area

Abstract

< A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2023-24 at the Irrigation Water Management Research Centre, Arabhavi, to evaluate the effect of different fertigation strategies on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) under the Ghataprabha Command Area. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten treatments replicated thrice, including varying proportions of recommended NPK applied through drip fertigation and basal methods, along with conventional application and an absolute control. Results revealed that fertigation with 75% of the recommended NPK using water-soluble fertilizers, combined with 25% as basal application (T4), significantly improved growth attributes such as plant height (268.7 cm), leaf area (995 dm²), and dry matter accumulation (20,098 kg ha-1). This treatment also recorded the highest grain yield (9212 kg ha- ¹), stover yield (12,847 kg ha- ¹), cob weight (184.3 g), test weight (38.83 g), and kernel weight per cob (162 g). Furthermore, it achieved the highest nutrient uptake (227.55 kg N, 68.18 kg P, and 266.65 kg K ha- ¹), gross returns (`2,02,808 ha- ¹), net returns (`1,14,142 ha- ¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.28). These values were statistically on par with 100% NPK applied entirely through fertigation (T3). The findings indicate that adopting a drip fertigation strategy involving a 75:25 ratio of fertigation to basal application is not only agronomically effective but also economically viable, offering a potential reduction in fertilizer usage without compromising yields.