Effect of Active Silica on Productivity of Maize Zea mays L under Organic Production System

Abstract

newline A field experiment entitled Effect of Active Silica on Productivity of Maize (Zea Mays L.) under Organic Production System was carried out during the kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at the organic unit of Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment consisting of 36 treatment combinations of six active silica of soil application in main plots (0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg/ha) and six foliar application of active silica in sub plots (No spray, water spray, 0.25, 0.50, newline0.75 and 1.0 %) was carried out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that growth attributes, yield attributes, yield, quality, nutrient content and their uptake by grain and stover, available nutrient status in soil after harvest and economics was significantly influnced by the soil as well as foliar application of active silica. newlineSignificant increase in plant height, dry matter accumulation, LAI at 60, 75 DAS and at harvest, CGR, RGR and NAR (between 60 to 75 DAS, 75 DAS to at harvest) was found up to 125 kg/ha active silica application. Number of cobs/plant, number of rows/cob, number of grains/row, test weight, grain, stover and biological yield significantly increased up to 125 kg/ha active silica application. However, application of active silica at 125 kg/ha found at par with 150 kg/ha. newlineFurther, protein content in grain at harvest, chlorophyll content in plant at 45 and 65 DAS, Si content at 60, 75 DAS and at harvest in plant, N, P and K content in grain and stover at harvest as well as their uptake significantly increased up to 125 kg/ha active silica application. newlineSignificantly higher net returns and B C ratio was found with the application of 125 kg/ha active silica.