Effect of tillage and precision nutrient placement on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during rainy season of 2022 to asses the effect of tillage and precise nutrient placement on maize (Zea mays L.) growth. Employing a split-plot design with 3-tillage methods in main plots, viz. T1 , (conventional tillage); T2 , (once rotavator as minimum tillage) and T3 , (zero tillage) and 4, precision nutrient application options N1 , 50% RDF as point placement; N2 , 75% RDF as band placement; N3, 100% RDF as band placement and N4, 100% RDF as broadcasting were tested in subplots. Results indicated that tillage and precision nutrient placement practices improved the plant height and LAI of maize. Minimum tillage recorded significantly higher crop growth indices, viz. CGR (1.92 g/m2/day), RGR (26.80 g/g/day) and dry matter accumulation (204.58 g/plant) over other tillage practices at 60 to 90 Days after sowing (DAS). Root attributes also improved under minimum tillage. The grain yield was significantly higher with minimum tillage (6.22 t/ha) over other tillage practices. Among the precision nutrient application options, 100% RDF as band placement recorded significantly higher grain yield (6.20 t/ha) over N2 and N4 but remained statistically at par with 50% RDF point placement (6.06 t/ha). The findings suggested that adopting minimum tillage and precise nutrient point placement could significantly enhance maize growth and yield in kharif seasons, offering 50% reduction in fertilizer consumption.