• Dr. S. KRISHNAPRABU M.Sc. (Ag.) Ph.D.

Field experiment was conducted at experimental farm annamalai university, annamalai nagar during 2012 and 2013 to find out most efficient and economic combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to increase the productivity of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) without deteriorating the soil qualities. Application of 25% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) in combination with biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria), green manuring with sunhemp and incorporation of compost @10 t/ha improves soil physico- chemical properties (viz. decrease in alkaline pH by 0.4, bulk density by 0.04 g/cm3 and increase in infiltration rate by 0.65 cm/hr). This was also responsible for improving the nutrient status of soil in respect of organic carbon, available N and available P2O5 which were increased by 0.14%, 4.4 kg/ha and 11.7 kg/ha, respectively over the initial nutrient status of soil. Maize grain yield was increased by 252.38% over control and 147.62% over application of 100% RDF with combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers which was 7.4 t/ha with highest gross return ('95.9x103/ha) and net return (54.2x103/ha). Maximum B:C ratio (1.30) was also observed in jointly use of 25% RDF, compost, biofertilizers and green manuring and it was followed by application of 100% RDF (1.26) which was responsible for deterioration of nutrient status of soil.

Biofertilizer, Compost, Green manuring, Inorganic fertilizers, Maize, Nutrient management, Physico- chemical properties, Productivity.

"Integrated Nutrient Management in Maize (Zea Mays L.) for Increasing Production with Sustainability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.576-586, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1908385.pdf

"Integrated Nutrient Management in Maize (Zea Mays L.) for Increasing Production with Sustainability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp576-586, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1908385.pdf