Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part A (2025)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Super Nano Urea on growth and yield of hybrid maize” was conducted during 2024-2025 at the Research Farm of the Interfaculty Department of Irrigation Water Management, MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra, to evaluate the influence of super nano urea (SNU) on hybrid maize performance. The study was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with eleven treatments involving varied proportions of recommended nitrogen doses (RDN) combined with foliar applications of SNU and conventional urea. Results revealed that application of 100% RDF (T₂) significantly enhanced growth attributes, dry matter accumulation (161.31 g plant^-¹), grain yield (71.88 q ha^-¹), stover yield (91.47 q ha^-¹), water productivity (13.31 kg ha^-¹ mm^-¹), and economic returns (₹173815 ha^-¹ gross and a B:C ratio of 1.80). Treatment T₃ (75% RDN) remained statistically at par with T₂ for major growth and yield parameters. Among reduced-nitrogen treatments, foliar application of SNU at 1.0% twice (T₇: 50% RDN + 2 sprays SNU) recorded notable yield enhancement, with grain and stover yield increases of 30.99% and 35.40%, respectively, over 50% RDN. Nitrogen use efficiency was maximized in T₁₁ (25% RDN + three sprays SNU @ 0.50%), achieving 116.40 kg kg^-¹. Overall, the study demonstrates that while full RDF ensures optimal productivity, integrating SNU foliar sprays with reduced nitrogen levels can substantially improve nitrogen use efficiency, nutrient uptake, and profitability, highlighting the potential of SNU-based nutrient management strategies in hybrid maize.