Integrated weed management in maize (Zea mays) under different nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted in Kashmir during rainy (kharif) season of integrated weed management of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by different rates of nitrogen levels. The results revealed significant increase in grain yield and growth characters, like plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation with N120 + Azotobacter (F4) than N90 (F1) treatment during both the years. Silking was two days earlier in N120 + Azotobacter than N90 (F1) treatment. Polyethylene mulch (W5) being at par with straw mulch (W4) resulted in significantly higher grain (5.12 tonnes/ha) yield of maize than weedy check (1.36 tonnes/ha). Uncontrolled weed growth caused 73.41% reduction in grain yield of maize. N120 + Azotobacter (F4) recorded significantly higher uptake of N, P and K in maize plant than the lower fertility level of N90 (F1). Significantly higher uptake of N, P and K by maize was observed with all the weed control measures than weedy check (W1) during both the years.