Effect of methods and frequency of boron application on maize productivity and its use efficiency in an acid Alfisol
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Date
2021-08-13
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Palampur
Abstract
A field investigation was carried out during Kharif 2020 on maize (Zea mays L.) at
the Nutrient Management Section of Department of Soil Science, COA, CSK HPKV,
Palampur. The experiment comprised of fourteen treatments replicated thrice in a
randomized block design (RBD) in order to figure out the efficacy of two methods of
boron application (soil or foliar), foliar applications at three rates (0.017, 0.034 and
0.051%) and variable frequencies (two and three sprays). All these combinations
received recommended dose of fertilizers. Basal application of boron @ 2 kg ha-1
through borax and three rates of foliar application i.e. half of recommended (0.017
%), recommended (0.034 %) and 1.5 times of recommended dose (0.051 %) with
boric acid were tested. The foliar feeding of boron was done at knee height, tasseling
and grain filling stages. The growth parameters, yield attributes and yield, nutrient
uptake, boron use efficiency and soil properties were significantly affected by
different boron treatments. The maximum grain yield (46.1 q ha-1
) was recorded in the
treatment where boron was supplied through conjoint soil and foliar application @ 2
kg ha-1
and 0.051 per cent (three foliar sprays), respectively which was 29.0 per cent
higher than the boron deprived treatment. The highest boron use efficiency was
recorded in the treatment that received sole foliar application of boron at
recommended rate with two foliar sprays. The boron and micronutrient cations uptake
by grains and stover were also enhanced when boron was applied and maximum
uptake was recorded with conjoint soil and foliar application @ 2 kg ha-1
and 0.051
per cent, respectively, with three foliar feedings. Boron treatments had non significant
effect on soil pH and organic carbon content, however, a significant effect was
recorded in available N, P, K and B after harvest. Highest net returns of ₹ 53,448 ha-1
and benefit cost ratio (2.19) were registered when basal application of boron @ 2 kg
ha-1 was supplemented with its three foliar feedings @ 0.051 per cent. The study
highlight the importance of boron application in enhancing the maize productivity in
acid soils.