P. K. SINGH, S. K. SINGH*, ROHIT SINGH AND PRADEEP PRASAD
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khadigram, Jamui-811 313 (Bihar), India
*(e-mail : sudhirsmsagro@gmail.com)
(Received : January 17, 2017; Accepted : March 25, 2017)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment to evaluate different doses of hydrogel on growth, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) in southeastern part of Bihar was conducted at Taridabil village of Jamui district of Bihar during 2011 and 2012 in rabi season with the collaboration of BAU, Sabour (Bihar). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, comprising six treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were : T1–5 kg hydrogel/ha, T2–10 kg hydrogel/ha, T3–15 kg hydrogel/ha, T4–20 kg hydrogel/ha, T5–25 kg hydrogel/ha and T6–Farmers’ practice (control). The results of the experiment showed significant variation on growth parameters at harvest. The growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves/plant, LAI, dry matter and net
assimilation rate recorded maximum values as 253 cm, 12.80, 3.8, 1950.5 g and 72.40 g/m2/day, respectively, in treatment T5 (25 kg hydrogel/ha) followed by treatment T4 (20 kg hydrogel/ha). The values recorded in treatment T4 were found to be at par with that recorded under treatment T5. These two treatments were found superior over rest of the treatments. Similarly, yield attributes also showed significant variation. Yield attributes viz., number of cobs/m2, number of cobs/plant, number of grain rows/cob, number of grains/row, length of cob, girth of cob, number of grains/cob and test weight recorded maximum values as 10.03, 1.36, 13.65, 23.50, 17.22 cm, 14.5 cm, 296.5 and 32.7 g, respectively, in treatment T5 (25 kg hydrogel/ha) closely followed by treatment T4 (20 kg hydrogel/ha). The values recorded in treatment T4 were found to be at par with that recorded in treatment T5. Effect of super absorbent polymer (hydrogel) doses significantly differed in yield of maize. Maximum grain and stover yield recorded was to a tune of 5.82 and 8.49 t/ha, respectively, in treatment T5 followed by treatment T4 which was found to be at par with treatment T5. However, maximum net returns (Rs. 30,000) and B : C ratio (1.71) were recorded in treatment T4 (20 kg hydrogel/ha) which were superior with all other treatments. Treatment T6 – Farmers’ practice recorded the least net returns (Rs. 7375) and B : C ratio (7.17). Thus, it may be recommended to use super absorbent polymer (hydrogel) at 20 kg/ha in maize crop in rabi season in south-eastern part of Bihar, where water was a major limiting factor during rabi season for crop production.
Key words :Hydrogel, super absorbent polymer, net assimilation rate, LAI