2024, Vol. 7, Issue 6, Part C

author(s)
Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Arun Alfred David, Tarence Thomas, Ram Bharose, Raj Sharma and Shashi Kumar Sah

abstract
The experiment was conducted on “Evaluation of micronutrient vermicompost and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on soil properties and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) var. PHM-1” NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium), Zinc, Vermicompost (VC), and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on maize growth, soil properties, and economic outcomes. Through a structured experimental design involving nine different treatments-T₁: (Absolute Control), T₂: (@0% NPK and Zinc @ 0% + @ 50% VC and PGPR), T₃: (@ 0% NPK and Zinc @ 0% + @ 100% VC and PGPR), T₄: (@ 50% NPK and Zinc @ 50% + @ 0% VC and PGPR), T₅: (@ 50% NPK and Zinc @ 50% + @ 50% VC and PGPR), T₆: (@ 50% NPK and Zinc @ 50% + @ 100% VC and PGPR), T₇: (@ 100% NPK and Zinc @ 100% + @ 0% VC and PGPR), T₈: (@ 100% NPK and Zinc @ 100% + @ 50% VC and PGPR), and T₉: (@ 100% NPK and Zinc @ 100% + @100% VC and PGPR). This study evaluates the changes in maize plant height, leaf count, cob length, grain number per cob, and grain yield. Concurrently, it examines the impact of these treatments on soil physical characteristics (bulk density, particle density, pore space, and water holding capacity) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic content, and nutrient availability). The economic feasibility of each treatment is analysed through a detailed cost-benefit ratio calculation, providing insights into the financial implications of various agronomic practices. The results indicate that higher levels of agronomic inputs correlate with increased plant growth, improved soil conditions, and greater economic returns, thereby underscoring the efficacy of integrated nutrient management in enhancing maize productivity and sustainability. This study contributes valuable data to the field of agricultural science, promoting optimized input usage for maximizing agricultural outputs while ensuring environmental stewardship.