Effect of micronutrients on the growth and yield parameter of spring maize in Gauradaha, Nepal

Micronutrients, required in trace amounts, are crucial for crop growth and metabolic activities. Maize is susceptible to micronutrient deficiencies and exhibits hidden hunger symptoms when lacking essential nutrients. This study, conducted at Gauradaha Agriculture Campus, Jhapa, from January to June 2023, aimed to assess the impact of zinc (Zn), boron (B), and sulfur (S) on maize growth and yield. A single-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with seven treatments and three replications. Results revealed that the combined application of micronutrients with the recommended dose of NPK significantly enhanced maize growth and yield parameters. The T6 treatment (Zn 10 kg/ha + B 6 kg/ha + S 7 kg/ha with recommended NPK) produced the highest values for key growth indicators: leaf area, ear length (19.56 cm), ear diameter (6.24 cm), kernel rows per ear (15.72), grains per row (44.25), ear weight (17.65 tons/ha), biological yield (34.80 tons/ha), grain yield (12.68 tons/ha), and stover yield (3.39 tons/ha). Additionally, T4 (S 40 kg/ha with NPK) resulted in the highest test weight (438.33 g). Micronutrient application did not significantly affect plant height or the number of leaves. The study concludes that applying 10 kg/ha of Zn, 6 kg/ha of B, and 7 kg/ha of S with NPK significantly improves maize yield, demonstrating suitability for the local soil conditions and offering a practical approach to mitigate hidden hunger in maize.