Impact of drip irrigation and tailored fertigation levels at various stages of crop growth on the yield and nutrient uptake of high-density sweet corn (Zeamaysvar. Saccharata Sturt)

Abstract

Sweet corn (Zeamaysvar. saccharatasturt) is a high-value crop with rising demand. Efficient irrigation and fertigation management play a vital role in improving crop yield and quality. A study was conducted during the summers of 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and fertigation levels on the nutrient uptake and yield of high-density sweet corn grown in sandy clay loam soil under semi-arid conditions. The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatment combinations, varying drip irrigation across three levels (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 Epan) and fertigation across four levels: 100% recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium (RDNK) applied based on differential dosage (F₁), 100% RDNK based on the crop coefficient curve (F₂), 125% RDNK with differential dosage (F₃), and 125% RDNK based on the crop coefficient curve (F₄).Results showed that irrigation at 1.0 Epan (I₃) achieved the highest cob yield (12,870 kg ha^-¹ in 2020 and 12,337 kg ha^-¹ in 2021), fodder yield (36,409 kg ha^-¹ in 2020 and 35,044 kg ha⁻¹ in 2021), nutrient uptake, and crude protein content. Among fertigation treatments, F₄ (125% RDNK based on crop coefficient curve) recorded the highest cob yield (12,349 kg ha^-¹ in 2020 and 11,769 kg ha^-¹ in 2021), nutrient uptake, and protein content.The study concluded that using 1.0 Epan irrigation combined with fertigation based on the crop coefficient curve (F₄) is the most effective strategy, promoting nutrient uptake and maximizing sweet corn yield.