Optimizing Plant Density and Fertility for Medium Duration Maize Hybrids in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of planting density and fertility levels on the growth, yield and economics of medium-duration maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids during kharif season in Andhra Pradesh, and to identify the most productive and profitable hybrid–management combination. Study Design: Split–split plot design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Andhra Pradesh, India, during kharif, 2020. Methodology: The experiment comprised two planting densities (60 × 20 cm and 50 × 20 cm), two fertility levels [100% RDF (200:60:50 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹) and 150% RDF (300:90:75 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹)] and five medium-duration hybrids (JKMH 15303, DKC 9194, HT 18607, BIO 9544 and CMH 08-292). Observations on plant height, phenology, yield attributes, grain yield and stover yield were recorded. Economic analysis included gross returns, net returns and benefit–cost ratio. Results: Plant density and fertility levels had no significant effect on yield attributes or grain yield; however, numerically higher yields were recorded at wider spacing (60 × 20 cm) and 100% RDF. Among hybrids, DKC 9194 produced the highest grain yield (8616 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (10,585 kg ha⁻¹). The hybrid also resulted in maximum net returns (₹ 95,700 ha⁻¹) and the highest benefit–cost ratio (2.51) under 60 × 20 cm spacing with 100% RDF, indicating superior profitability compared to other treatment combinations. Conclusion: Hybrid DKC 9194 with 100% RDF at 60 × 20 cm spacing proved most productive and economically viable under kharif conditions in Andhra Pradesh. Adoption of this combination may enhance maize profitability without requiring higher fertilizer input.