Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on yield, nitrogen uptake and economics in baby corn (Zea mays)

A field experiment conducted during rainy season of 1993 and 1994 to study the effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on baby corn (Zea mays L.) at Baja ura revealed that baby corn yield increased significantly with increasing n itrogen application up to 150 kg/ha, but the cobs with husk and green-fodde r yields recorded significant increase up to 200 kg N/ha. Nitrogen uptake b y plants increased significantly up to 150 kg N/ha, whereas N uptake by bab y corn recorded significant increase up to 200 kg N/ha. Plant spacing of 40 cm x 20 cm gave significantly higher baby corn (17.4 q/ha), cobs with husk (86.8 q/ha) yields and nitrogen uptake by baby corn (22.3 kg/ha); however the maximum green-fodder yield (490.5 q/ha) and N uptake by plants (104.4 k g/ha) were recorded in 40 cm x 10 cm plant spacing. The maximum net returns of Rs 59,938/ha were obtained with 200 kg N/ha which were 5.0, 19.2, 36.6 ana 54.1% higher than 150, 100, 50 and 0 kg N/ha respectively. Application of 150 kg N/ha resulted in maximum net returns/rupee invested (Rs 2.84). Th e crop spaced at 40 cm x 20 cm gave maximum net returns (Rs 50,843/ha) and net returns/rupee invested (Rs 3.00).