IMPACT OF NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA ON YIELD AND ECONOMICS OF MAIZE UNDER VARIED NITROGEN MANAGEMENT REGIMES

Abstract

Maize being an important cereal crop shows the need for proper nitrogen management for the plant's optimum growth and yield. There is potential to use biofertilizers to enhance nutrient use and crop performance. The present study was carried out at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana Ambala, Haryana in Kharif season of 2025. The experiment was laid in split plot design with three replications. Four levels of Nitrogen and four biofertilizer treatments were applied. The results revealed that application of 100% RDN showed better yield attributes, yield parameters and economic returns. On the other hand, among all the bio-fertilizers Azotobacter reported higher grain yield (5.15t/ha), stover yield (10.91t/ha) and biological yield (16.06t/ha) which are statistically at par with Azospirillum. Under the condition of Haryana, the study revealed that, proper application of nitrogen by the biofertilizer can increase the productivity of maize and farm returns.