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

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 1993 and 1994 to study the effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on baby corn (Zea mays L.). Application of 150 to 200 kg N/ha had significant favourable effect on plant height, functional leaves, dry-matter accumulation, cobs/plant and cob weight. The minimum barrenness of 4.9% was recorded with 200 kg N/ha, whereas it was maximum (32.7%) in pots receiving no N. Baby corn yield increased significantly with increase in N level up to 150 kg/ha, but the cob weight with husk and green-fodder yield showed significant increase up to 200 kg N/ha. The maximum net returns of Rs 59,938/ha were obtained with 200 kg N/ha which were 5.2, 23.8, 57.6 and 117.7% higher than that of 150, 100, 50 and 0 kg N/ha, however the maximum net returns/rupee invested (Rs 2.84) were realized with 150 kg N/ha. Wider spacing of 60 cm x 20 cm increased significantly almost all the growth and yield attributes but could not compensate the baby corn yield obtained in narrow plant spacing. Plant spacing of 40 cm x 20 cm gave maximum baby corn yield (17.4 q/ha), net returns (Rs 50,843/ha) and net returns/rupee invested (Rs 3.00).