Microbial inoculant enriched biochar and organic manures improve the productivity of sweet corn (Zea mays) and soil quality

The study assessed the effects of different fertilizers on balanced nutrition in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and was conducted during the 2020 rainy (kharif) season. According to the results, applying 100% RDF + EB @2 t/ ha produced the highest plant height and dry matter at 60 days, which was similar to applying 100% RDF + VC @4 t/ha. When compared to 100% RDF alone, the yield of husked cobs increased by 23.18% with the 100% RDF + EB @2 t/ha treatment. Similarly, 75% RDF + EB @2 t/ha and 75% RDF + EB @2 t/ha + micronutrient mixture improved yield by 9.29% and 11.13%, respectively. Enriched biochar improved soil quality, including higher levels of available N, P, K and organic carbon, compared to 100% RDF alone. The study recommended using enriched biochar with 100% RDF for quality sweet corn production in Mollisols.