Effect of hydrogel and mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy soil

Abstract

An investigation entitled “Effect of hydrogel and mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy soil” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2016- 2018 to study the effect of hydrogel (super absorbent polymer) and mulching on soil moisture status, growth and yield of maize in sandy soil. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatment combinations included three levels of hydrogel viz. H1 – 1.25 kg ha-1, H2 – 2.5 kg ha-1, H3 – 3.75 kg ha-1 and three types of mulch viz. M1 – rice straw (5 t ha-1), M2 – rice husk (5 t ha-1), M3 – coirpith compost (2.5 t ha-1) and one control (KAU Package of Practices recommendations). Observations were recorded on growth and growth attributes, yield and yield attributes, plant analysis, soil analysis and economics. Hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum plant height, dry matter production and root volume of maize whereas maximum leaf area and LAI were observed in hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The yield and yield parameters such as cob, grain and stover yield were found to be higher in treatments receiving hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 than other levels of hydrogel and types of mulch. The response of hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 was significantly superior over other treatments with respect to total N and P uptake. While total K uptake recorded was maximum in the case of hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The major beneficial effect of hydrogel was in enhancing and maintaining soil moisture status of coarse textured sandy soil at 15 and 30 cm depth. The treatment receiving hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum soil moisture retention. The maximum porosity was recorded in the case of hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and coirpith compost mulch @ 2.5 t ha-1. The residual nutrient status with respect to available N and K2O recorded maximum values in hydrogel @ 1.25 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1 and available P2O5 was maximum with hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1. Considering the economics of maize crop production, the gross and net income obtained were maximum in hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. However, BCR was found to be maximum in treatment with hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The maize growth and yield were significantly improved by the application of hydrogel and different mulches. Hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 in combination with rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 was most efficient and economical compared to other combinations and can be recommended for maize cultivation in sandy soils of Kerala