Author(s):

Shashank Tyagi, Rohit Kumar and Birendra Kumar

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Bihar Agricultural University farm, Sabour, during rabi season 2011-12 and 2012-13 to evaluate the effect of sources and doses of hydrogel on growth, yield, root characteristics and economics of winter maize. The experiment comprised of two sources of hydrogel i.e. Stockosorb and Pusa gel in main plot and their application doses viz., Control (No hydrogel), 50% hydrogel dose, 75% hydrogel dose, 100% hydrogel dose (20 kg/ha), 125% hydrogel dose and 150% hydrogel dose in sub plots laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results indicated that sources of hydrogel did not affect growth parameters significantly, however, they were significantly higher by hydrogel doses up to 150%. Plant height did not vary significantly due to hydrogel sources. Pusa gel was found superior over Stockosorb. Among hydrogel doses, 150% gel dose recorded maximum plant height (203.5 cm) as compared to control and was at par with 125% dose. At 90 DAS, Stockosorb was noted for higher LAI than Pusa gel. However, difference between gel sources was non-significant. Among hydrogel doses, 100%, 125% and 150% were on par with each other at 90 DAS and 125 DAS. Lowest LAI was recorded in control in both the time intervals. All the yield attributes were significantly influenced by gel sources except 1000-grain weight, however, they were significantly differed by hydrogel doses. Highest grain yield (81.7 q/ha) was recorded under 150% gel dose which was 2.1% higher than those of 125% gel dose, respectively, however, application of 100% and 125% dose differed significantly among each other. Recommended hydrogel dose recorded 3.3%, 10.6% and 29.2% higher grain yield over 75%, 50% gel dose and control, respectively. Stover yield was significantly highest under 150% gel dose which was superior over rest of the gel doses except 100% and 125% gel dose. Stone yield was recorded maximum under 150% gel dose being at par with 125% gel dose and was significantly higher over rest of the gel doses. Number of rootlets and root dry weight was found highest at 150% gel dose. Recommended dose of hydrogel at 20 kg/ha recorded Rs. 3,332/ha higher net return than control.

Pages: 1244-1248  |  1290 Views  251 Downloads

Download (444KB)