Performance of Gluconate and Lactate Based Formulations on Plant Growth and Yield Attributes in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aim: To check the efficacy of gluconate and lactate based formulations on plant growth and yield characteristics of maize.

Place and Duration of Study: School of Agricultural Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, spring 2021.

Methodology: The experiment was laid-out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with Maize hybrid (DHM-117) spacing adopted (60 x 20 cm) with 4 replications. The treatments viz; T1: Control (No fertilizer), T2:100% RDF, T3: 75% RDF + 25% Sahasra Organic Formulations (SOF), T4:50% RDF + 50% SOF, T5: 25% RDF + 75% SOF, T6: 100% SOF. The RDF (N:72-80; P:24; K:20 kg/acre).

Results: The yield attributes were recorded intermittently and maximum grain yield (7,649.8 kg ha-1) and Stover yield (8,859.87 kg ha-1) were recorded with T2 (100% RDF), followed by T3 (75% RDF + 25% Sahasra Organic Formulations). Similarly gross returns (₹ 123606.5 ha-1), net returns (₹ 87116.49 ha-1) and B: C (3.4) ratio was also recorded highest in T2 followed by T3 (75% RDF + 25 % SOF), while the lowest were recorded with T1 (control).

Conclusion: Adoption of gluconate and lactate based formulations enhanced soil fertility, soil organic carbon and yield in Maize crop. The study concluded that the integrated approach i.e., T3 (75% RDF + 25% SOF) has realized the highest net returns (₹ 82466.8 ha-1) and B: C ratio (3.4) in comparison to the 100% RDF treatment thus reducing the cost of fertilizers and benefiting the net returns to the farmers.