Influence of location-specific nutrient management and plant stand on the growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake of irrigated rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

Cereals are essential for global food security and serve as a primary source of dietary energy for 60% of the world's population. Maize, among the prominent cereals, stands out as a highly adaptable crop with versatility across diverse agro-climatic zones, fulfilling demands for food, feed, and fodder worldwide. While progressive farmers often adhere to conventional fertilizer recommendations set by authorities, this practice can sometimes result in suboptimal productivity with a negative impact soil health over time. In this context, the Nutrient Expert (NE) can be considered an efficient decision support system for field-specific recommendations for precision nutrient management in maize. Plant density is a vital agronomic trait determining the grain yield of maize. Considering these, a field study was conducted for two consecutive years at the Post Graduate Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India (18.8° N latitude, 84.8° E longitude) during the rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24. the present research was conducted by adopting a split-plot design which comprised three main plot treatments with different levels of plant population (P1: 66666 plants/ha; P2: 83333 plants/ha; P3: 111111 plants/ha) and four sub-plot treatments consisting of nutrient management treatments (T1: 100 % RDF, T2: Nutrient Expert-based recommendation (NE) for a target yield of 6 t/ha, T3: NE for a target yield of 8 t/ha and T4: NE for a target yield of 10 t/ha). The experimental soil was sandy clay loam in texture with slightly acidic pH and low in available nitrogen and organic carbon, and medium in phosphorous and potassium. The results of the experiment revealed a significant difference among the growth parameters, yield attributing characters, yield and nutrient uptake of maize concerning plant population and nutrient levels. The study concluded that applying primary nutrients through NE @ 10 t/ha along with a plant population of 1,11,111 plants/ha could be chosen as the most suitable agronomic practice for improving growth and productivity in irrigated rabi maize under Odisha conditions.