Effect of rate of nitrogen and time of application on yield and economics of babycorn (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season (kharif) of 1996, 1997 and 1998 to study the effect of dose and time of N application on yield, y ield attributes and monetary returns of babycorn (Zea mays L.). Results sho wed that increased N doses favourably affected the yield attributes, yield and monetary returns. Application 120 kg N/ha gave significantly higher yie ld (21.9 and 7.9) and more net return (Rs/ha 7272, 27.3% and 2690, 8.6%) co mpared with 60 and 90 kg/ha respectively. Benefit : cost ratio was also the highest at 120 kg/ha N. Different N schedules also influenced the babycorn yield, yield attributes and economic returns. The highest improvement in y ield attributes and babycorn yield were recorded with the application of N in 2 equal splits at sowing and knee-high stages. This N schedule also prov ided the highest values of net return and benefit : cost ratio.