In situ green manuring for nutrient content optimization in Rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

An investigation was conducted during the 2022-23 Rabi season at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, to study the effect of in situ green manuring at 45 DAS (days after sowing) and variable nitrogen application at the tasseling stage on nutrient content of maize. The experiment, arranged in a randomized block design, included treatments with green manuring (T1-T7) and control (T8-farmer's practice without green manuring). The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents in maize at knee-high (1.85-2.06, 0.375-0.434, 1.96-2.04%), pre-tasselling (1.32-1.46, 0.231-0.264, 1.33-1.41%) and tasselling (1.15-1.24, 0.209-0.223, 1.14-1.17%) stages were significantly higher in maize + green manure treatments (T1 to T7) as compared to T8 (1.76, 0.375, 1.90; 1.26, 0.231, 1.27; and 1.13, 0.209, 1.11%, respectively) at the corresponding stages. However, at the grain-filling stage (T4-0.96, 0.185, 1.14; and T7-0.92, 0.178, 1.69%) and harvest (T4-0.75, 0.126, 1.12; and T7-0.72, 0.121, 1.64%, respectively), T4 and T7 conspicuously reported higher plant N, P and K contents than the other treatments. The grain N, P and K contents were also higher with T4 (1.86, 0.338 and 0.48%) and T7 (1.81, 0.334 and 0.47%) at knee height, grain filling stages and harvest, respectively.