Field Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Precision Nitrogen Management Under Drip Irrigated Condition

The field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru during Kharif, 2014 to study the effect of precision nitrogen management on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of drip irrigated maize. The experiment consisted of 9 treatments replicated thrice in RCBD design. Among the various treatments imposed, drip fertigation of nitrogen through SPAD sufficiency index of 95-100 per cent under paired row (90/30) recorded significantly higher growth and yield parameters. In addition, this treatment also recorded significantly higher kernel and stover yield (85.73 and 140.43 q ha^-1, respectively), NUE (71.44 kg kg^-1) and also net returns (Rs. 69634 ha^-1) as compared to UAS (B) package with surface irrigation and normal spacing of 60×30 cm.