Enhancing maize yield in a conservation agriculture-based maize (Zea mays)- wheat (Triticum aestivum) system through efficient nitrogen management

This study evaluated the impact of contrasting tillage and nitrogen management options on growth, yield attributes, maize (Zea mays L.) in a conservation agriculture (CA)-based maize-wheat (Triticum aestivum system. The field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons 2020 2021 at research farm ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. split plot design with three practices [conventional residue (CT), zero (ZT) permanent beds (PB)] as main treatments sub-plots five [Control (without N fertilization), recommended dose @150 kg N/ha, Green Seeker-GS based application applied N, basal through urea super granules-USG + GS 100% slow release fertilizer (SRF) N/ha] replications. Results showed that both had significant seasons. However, time to anthesis physiological maturity were not significantly affected. Yield attributes highest plots, similar numbers grains per cob (486.1 468.6). leaf area index (LAI) 60 DAP observed PB (5.79), followed by ZT(5.68) lowest recorded CT (5.25) plots. grain (2-year mean basis) plots (5516 kg/ha), while lowestwas conventional (4931 kg/ha). Therefore, highlights importance CA for improving growth yield, suggests farmers can achieve better results adoption CA-based use USG option.