Economics of Hybrid Maize Production Using of Lignite and Poultry Manure Based Humin in an Acid Soil of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Aims: To study the effect of lignite humin (LH) and poultry manure humin (PMH) application on economics of hybrid maize production in an acid soil of eastern dry zone of Karnataka.

Study Design: Randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising ten treatments and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Hadonahalli, Bengaluru rural district (Karnataka) during kharif 2018.

Methodology: A field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten treatments, replicated thrice during kharif 2018 at Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Hadonahalli, Bengaluru rural district, Karnataka. The Lignite Humin (LH) and Poultry Manure Humin (PH) were applied at different doses (0, 2.5, 7.5 & 10 t ha-1) in combination with FYM (Farm Yard Manure) applied in such a way that the total quantity of humin and FYM is equivalent to 10 t ha-1.

Results: The results revealed that significant variation was observed on yield and benefit: Cost ratio due to application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), LH and PMH. Significantly higher maize kernel (8070 kg ha-1) and stover yield (9948 kg ha-1) were recorded in treatment T2 (100% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and which was found on par with treatment T7 (100% RDF + PMH @ 2.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1) and T3 (100% RDF + LH @ 2.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1) and T8 (100% RDF + PMH @ 5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 5 t ha-1). Wherein, higher B:C ratio of 2.24 was recorded in treatment T10 receiving 100% RDF + PMH @ 10 t ha-1and it was followed by treatment receiving T2(2.21) and T9 : 100% RDF + PMH @ 7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 (2.20). Whereas the least B:C ratio (1.72) was observed in the absolute control treatment where no manures and fertilizers were given.

Conclusion: These results suggest that higher B:C ratio in these treatments might be due to lower cost of cultivation and it increases with increased in dose of lignite and poultry manure based humin.