Optimizing Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Maize under Irrigated Condition

To study the performance of different crop establishment techniques and weed management practices on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of maize hybrid, field experiment was conducted during Summer 2023 season.The treatment comprised of different sowing methods viz., pneumatic precision planter, manual rotary dibbler and manual dibbling and these treatments were compared with varied weed management practices such as pre-emergence (PE) application with atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kg ha-1 at 3 DAS + power weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, pre-emergence (PE) application with atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kgha-1 at 3 DAS + hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and pre-emergence (PE) application with atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kg ha-1 at 3 DAS + early post-emergence (EPoE) application with topramezone 33.6 % SC @ 25.2 g ha-1 at 20 DAS. The results revealed that manual dibbling under conventional levelled ridges and furrows and pre-emergence application of atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kg ha-1 at 3 DAS through drone followed by power weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded the highest vigour index, root length, volume and biomass. Early field emergence was noticed with manual dibbling under ridges and furrows which wasfollowed by pneumatic precision planter. However, higher LAI was recorded under manual rotary dibbler followed by pneumatic precision planter. Pre-emergence application of atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kgha-1 at 3 DAS + hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS had significantly less weed density and dry weight and the next best treatment was pre-emergence application with atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kg ha-1 at 3 DAS + power weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Significantly higher grain and stover yieldwas obtained under manual rotary dibbler treatment which was at par with pneumatic precision planter. Highest net returns and benefit cost ratio were observed with manual rotary dibbler followed by atrazine 50 % WP @ 0.75 kg ha-1 at 3 DAS + power weeding at 20 and 40 DAS.