No-till maize growth, nutrient uptake, and economics as affected by spatial arrangements and weed control. (119)

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out during rainy seasons of 2001 and 2002 to study the effect of row spacing, plant density, and weed control method on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and economics in no-till maize in the Indo—Gangetic plains of India. Narrow spacing (45 cm) and high plant density (90,000 plants ha-’) gave significantly higher leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, N, P, and K uptake and net return per unit investment. Highest leaf area index, DM accumulation, nutrient uptake, and net return were observed under paraquat application at 0.75 kg active ingredient (ai) ha-1 at 30 days after sowing, that was statistically similar to two hand weedings. Narrow spacing and higher plant density with either paraquat application at 0.75 kg ai ha-1 or two hand weedings provided better plant growth, nutrient uptake, protein content, and economics under no-till conditions.