Role of nano-urea in enhancing growth and productivity of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2024 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to assess the role of nano-urea in improving growth, productivity, nutrient-use efficiency, and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) variety SMH-5. The study employed a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments, including control and combinations of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN, 120 kg/ha as prilled urea) with foliar sprays of nano-urea at varying rates and timings. Results indicated that the treatment with 50% RDN as basal + 2 sprays of nano-urea @ 4 ml L⁻¹ (at 30 and 60 days after sowing, DAS) significantly enhanced plant population (up to 32.38% increase at 30 DAS), plant height (up to 31.23% at harvest), dry matter accumulation (up to 33.01% at harvest), yield attributes (e.g., 57.85% more grains/cob), grain yield (87.85% increase to 74.84 q/ha), nutrient-use efficiencies (highest agronomic efficiency of 154.3 kg grain/kg N), and economic returns (net return of ₹105,204.6/ha, B:C ratio 1.81). This approach reduced nitrogen losses, improved soil nutrient status, and promoted sustainable maize production under semi-arid conditions.