Quality and Productivity Improvement of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Through the Foliar Application of Urea with Zinc

Background: Since fodder maize is a demanding crop that requires a lot of minerals to meet its nutritional demands, the misuse of chemical fertilizers has decreased soil fertility. Nevertheless, using large amounts of fundamental nutrients should not adversely affect the soil’s health. In light of these considerations, the current study was directed to identify the most effective management strategy to increase fodder maize quality and yield in Punjab conditions. Methods: The experimental site was Eastern India which falls under the zone of Northern Plain of agro-climatic zones of Punjab. The experiment consisted of three replications and was set up using a randomized block design (RBD). Two different treatment levels of urea (1% and 2%) and two different treatment levels of zinc (0.25% and 0.50%), together with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and an absolute control, were applied to the fodder maize crop. These treatments were employed and organized into nine distinct treatment combinations. Result: The results were found that total ash (9.6%), ether extract (2.75%), hemicellulose (24.87%), carbohydrate (58.98%), crude protein yield (12.68%) and dry fodder yield (118.59 q ha-1) were seen to be significantly higher at 65 days after sowing when the crop was treated with RDF + 2% urea + 0.50% zinc as compared to absolute control and other quality parameters also showed significant results. The foliar application of urea and zinc along with RDF to fodder maize significantly reduced the fibre fraction and increased the nutritional values (DCP, DMI, DMD, TDN and NEL).