Evaluating the effectiveness of fish organic liquid manure (FOLM) in enhancing maize growth and yield: a comparative study of organic and conventional fertilizers

Agriculture has traditionally relied on synthetic fertilizers to meet growing food demands, but their environmental impacts have sparked interest in organic alternatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Fish Organic Liquid Manure (FOLM) in enhancing maize growth and yield, comparing it to conventional fertilizers while also examining its environmental and economic viability. Field experiments were conducted over 2 years, Season-1 (2020) and Season-2 (2021) in Odisha, India, using Seminis SV6881SN maize seeds in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Various treatments were applied: control, vermicompost, chemical fertilizers, and 50% and 90% FOLM doses. Fertilizer applications included nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with SPSS version 20. Customized fertilization strategies based on soil tests and local guidelines are crucial for maize growth. Favourable climatic conditions in Season-1 and Season-2 facilitated maize cultivation, but soil variations between Megha and Astia impacted nutrient content. Despite suboptimal phosphorus in Astia, organic manure, especially Fish Organic Liquid Manure (FOLM), enhanced maize growth compared to inorganic fertilizers. FOLM-treated plants, particularly with 90% FOLM (T4), consistently outperformed the yield parameters, demonstrating the economic advantages of organic fertilizers. Detailed financial analysis underscored the cost-effectiveness of organic fertilizers, supported by positive correlations between plant attributes, fertilizer choices, and crop yields.