Effect of Fertigation & Irrigation Levels on Growth, Yield & Nutrient

Maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to family Poaceae, is an important cereal crop of the world as well as of India. Maize is called ¿Queen of Cereals¿ because of its productive potential compared to any other crop. Maize has the highest average yield per hectare particularly in the tropics and sub-tropics. The maize is cultivated throughout the year in different parts of the country for various purposes including grain, fodder, green cobs, sweet corn, baby corn, popcorn etc. Maize is multipurpose crop, provides food for human beings, feed. Fertigation is the addition of fertilizers through irrigation water. It is particularly important for irrigated agriculture in sandy soils where large quantities of fertilizers should be applied to meet crop requirements and to prevent loss by leaching. Fertigation has been found as one of the best way for applying water and nutrients through the drip irrigation system. Fertigation has been found as one of the most successful ways of water and nutrient particularly N, P, K and micronutrient applied through the drip irrigation system. The right combination of water and nutrients in fertigation is the key for high yield and quality of cereal crops.