Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study aims to determine the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The field experiment was conducted at the Students' Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during the Kharif season of 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments, including different combinations of inorganic fertilizers (RDF) and organic amendments (FYM and vermicompost), replicated three times. Results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha (T9) significantly improved growth, yield attributes, and yield compared to other treatments. The highest plant height (220 cm), dry matter accumulation (227 g/plant), cob length (17.7 cm), cob weight (165.3 g), number of grains per cob (420), and grain weight per cob (106.2 g) were recorded under T9, followed by 100% RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha (T5). Similarly, the highest grain yield (65.30 q/ha) and straw yield (119.11 q/ha) were obtained in T9, showing a substantial increase over the control (33.00 q/ha and 73 q/ha, respectively). The study concludes that the combined application of 100% RDF with Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha is the most effective strategy for improving maize productivity while ensuring soil health sustainability.