Zinc management for higher productivity and profitability under diversified fodder maize based systems in semi-arid conditions

Abstract

The experiments on Zn management in diversified fodder maize based system was conducted with the objective of enhancing cropping system productivity and profitability under irrigated conditions during 2016-17 and 2017-18. The higher green and dry fodder productivity of maize (African tall) under maize-mustard-wheat cropping system was observed. The B: C ratio of fodder maize was more than 1 and ranged between 1.57-1.68. Better growth, agronomic characters and yield were recorded with higher levels of Zn (5.0 kg/ha). Significantly higher production efficiency (744 and 186 kg/ha/day of green and dry fodder maize, respectively) was also recorded with 5.0 kg Zn/ha over no Zn (676 and 168.9 kg/ha/day of green and dry fodder, respectively). There was increase of almost 15% in net return under 2.5 and 5.0 kg/ha Zn applications over no Zn application. On residual Zn, early mustard variety, PM 28 invariably resulted in higher seed yield. Wheat (HD 3118), late sown cultivar produced higher seed yield with Zn solubilizer at residual 5.0 kg Zn/ha level. Onion yield increased with increase in Zn fertilization. Zn solubilizer (ZnS1) resulted in higher fodder maize productivity and profitability. NPK uptake (kg/ha) was comparatively higher in maize-mustard (PM 28)- wheat cropping system, and among the different primary elements, uptake of potash was maximum over P and N in fodder maize crop.