Evaluation of different organic supplements on growth and yield enhancement in zea mays

Field experiments were conducted at experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram in two seasons to study the effect of foliar spray of Panchagavya, humic acid and Kunapanjola on the growth and yield of maize. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design with eleven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments include foliar spraying of three different organic products viz., Panchagavya, humic acid and kunapanjola with three levels of spray along with inorganic nutrient application on maize. The results revealed that application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and 3 sprays (20,40 and 60 DAS) of 3 % Panchagavya recorded the highest growth and yield attributes and yield of maize and this was followed by application of recommended dose of fertilizers (100 %) along with 3 sprays (20,40 and 60 DAS) of 3 % humic acid during both the seasons. The least growth and yield parameters were recorded in absolute control without use of organic products and inorganic fertilizers. The increase in growth and yield of maize was mainly attributed by greater availability of nutrients through soil application (100 % RDF) and foliar spray of panchagavya at various stages of crop growth.