Abstract
Quality fodder can be produced through balanced use of fertilizers. A field trial was conducted to work out the best
combination of nitrogen and zinc for enhancing growth, yield and quality of maize fodder. Seven treatments viz. T1 =
Control; T2 = N @ 50 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 5 kg ha-1; T3 = N @ 50 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 10 kg ha-1; T4 = N @ 100 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 5 kg
ha-1; T5 = N @ 100 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 10 kg ha-1; T6 = N @ 150 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 and T7 = N @ 150 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 10
kg ha-1were used to test the crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three
replications. Recommended dose of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer (60 and 75 kg ha-1) was applied as basal
dose to all treatments. The sources of N, P, K and Zn were urea, single super phosphate (SSP), sulphate of potash (SOP) and
zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), respectively. The maize variety Pak Afgooi was used as a test crop. Results showed a significant
increase in plant height, stem circumference and biological yield with increased level of nitrogen and zinc fertilizers.
Maximum improvement in plant height (160%), biological yield (72%), leaf area (116%), dry matter (80%) and relative
water contents (17%) was observed in T7 (N @ 150 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 10 kg ha-1). However, these results were non-significant
with T6 (N @ 150 kg ha-1 + Zn @ 5 kg ha-1) where the improvement in these parameters was 152, 69, 103, 79 and 18%,
respectively. The T7 also significantly improved crude protein, ash contents, and nitrogen and zinc uptake as compared to
control. It may be concluded that treatment combination N @ 150 kg ha-1 and Zn 5 kg ha-1 (T6) may be recommended for
getting enhanced yield of improved quality maize fodder.
