Assessment of nano urea based N application on the performance of quality protein maize (QPM) in sub-tropical condition of Punjab

Aims: To study the impact of different dosage of nanourea on the growth and yield of quality protein maize in Punjab, India.Study design: The study design was randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replication and 10 treatments.Place and Duration of Study: A research trial was conducted during Rabi season at Agricultural Research Farm of Lovely Professional University during 2022-2024. 9 treatment combinations of nano urea based nitrogen application were utilized for the present study on maize crop. The different growth, yield, quality and economic parameters were studied.Methodology: The land was prepared and intercultural operation was done and maize varirt name LQH-1 was sown in 5X4m2 area plot with 8 treatments having different dosage of nanourea.Results: The plant height was more in treatment T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65DAS) followed by treatments T5 (50% RDN basal + One FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS) and T4 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 2ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS). The maximum number of leaf area index was observed at harvest as 263.78 at T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 4ml/lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) treatment. The maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded in T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) followed by T5 (50% RDN basal + One FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS) and lowest was observed in T0 (control). The highest crop and relative growth rate was observed in T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 4 ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) at 90 days and start decreasing at harvest. The yield parameters including number of cobs/plant (1.75±0.03), number of grains/cob (358.61±0.14), seed index (38.20±0.07 g), seed yield (5.14±0.02 t/ha), Stover yield (7.26±0.02 t/ha) and Harvest index (25.48±0.04%) was recorded more in treatment T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU@4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65DAS) and lowest was observed in T0 (control) at harvest. The quality parameters including protein, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake was observed more in treatment T6 and lowest was observed in T0 (control).Conclusion: Overall, our study suggests that use of nanourea in maize can be a better and sustainable approach