Growth, yield and economic returns from the dual purpose baby corn (Zea mays) under different planting geometry and nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2012 at Karnal, Haryana to evaluate the effect of 6 planting geometry viz. 40 cm × 15 cm, 40 cm × 20 cm, 50 cm × 15 cm, 50 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 15 cm and 60 cm × 20 cm and 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha) on dual purpose baby corn (Zea mays L.). The plant height, leaf area index (LAI), baby corn yield (1.88 t/ha), total green fodder yield (30.8 t/ha) as well as dry fodder yield (6.52 t/ha) were higher in 50 cm × 15 cm planting geometry than all other planting geometry, however, plant girth and fresh weight per plant were significantly higher in 60 cm × 20 cm planting geometry. Net returns ( 162.4 × 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.31) were higher in 50 cm × 15 cm geometry than all other planting geometry. Most of the growth and yield attributes of baby corn were significantly improved by nitrogen application up to 120 kg N/ha. However, green (32.3 t/ha) as well as dry fodder yield (6.66 t/ha) increased significantly with increase in the level of nitrogen application up to 180 kg/ha. Highest net returns ( 155.9 × 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.21) were recorded with the application of 180 kg N/ha.