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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 3 (2017) pp. 1392-1428 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com Review Article https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.603.161 Effect of NPKS and Zn Fertilization on, Growth, Yield and Quality of Baby Corn-A Review Rakesh Kumar1, Narendra Kumawat2*, Sudhir Kumar4, Amitesh Kumar Singh5 and J.S. Bohra3 1 ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna-797 106, Bihar, India AICRP on Maize-Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jhabua-457661, MP, India 3 Department of Agronomy, I.A.S., BHU, Varansi-221 005, UP, India 4 ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre Lamphelpat, Imphal-795004, India 5 Department of Agronomy, IAS, RGSC (BHU), Barkachha, Mirzapur, (U.P.), India 2 *Corresponding author ABSTRACT Keywords Baby corn, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Quality, Sulphur. Article Info Accepted: 20 February 2017 Available Online: 10 March 2017 Nutrient management is one of the most crucial factors in scientific crop productions. The knowledge regarding use of optimum dose of crop nutrition is of prime concern in modern agriculture. The findings of this paper will be helpful in understanding the views of active investigators, theoreticians and practitioners on growth, yield, quality, nutrient uptake, soil health and economics of baby corn. Maize is an exhaustive crop and for gaining higher productivity, it requires very high quantities of nitrogen during the period of efficient utilization. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 reduced the days to corn initiation but prolonged the harvesting period over 80 kg N ha-1. Application of 30 kg P ha-1 is reported to be beneficial and economical for baby corn production under the normal management. Potassium regulates the osmotic potential of cells and imparts resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Application of S and Zn has resulted in significant improvement for crude protein, Ca, ash in baby corn. Application of 125% RDF (187.5-93.7-75 kg ha-1) and 50 kg S ha-1 along with 10 kg Zn ha-1 has great impact on corn production in maximizing corn yield, fodder yield, nutrient content and monetary returns to the growers. Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.) ranks 3rd as a food-grain crop after wheat and rice and it is not only as a cereal but also as vegetable and fodder crop. Maize cobs are used as a vegetable is known as baby corn. Baby corn having unfertilized young cobs harvested 2 or 3 days after silk emergence. Globally, as an immature vegetable, baby corn has attracted an increasing number of peoples‟ preference due to the enhancement of living standards and shift in dietary habit from non-vegetarian to vegetarian; however, production areas are still confined to a few countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Brazil. The greatest production of baby corn is in Thailand (Wang et al., 2009). Das et al., (2008) found that 100 g of baby corn contained 89.1% moisture, 0.2 g fat, 1.9 g protein, 8.2 mg carbohydrate, 0.06 g ash, 28.0 mg calcium, 86.0 mg phosphorus, and 11.0 1392 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 mg of ascorbic acid (Thavaprakaash et al., 2005). Baby corn production being a new introduction to Indian agriculture, very limited research literature is available on this specific aspect. However, comprehensive efforts have been made to review the research work done in this regard along with maize/corn by the eminent scientists in the country and abroad and the available experimental findings have been incorporated in this chapter. Brief resume of research work relevant to the investigation entitled “Effect of NPKS and Zn application on growth, yield and quality of baby corn (Zea mays L.)” has been reviewed under the following objectives:  Effect of fertility levels on growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, quality, nutrient contents, nutrient uptake, soil health and economics of baby corn  Effect of sulphur levels on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield, quality, nutrient contents, nutrient uptake, soil health and economics of baby corn  Effect of zinc levels on growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, quality, nutrient contents, nutrient uptake, soil health and economics of baby corn. Growth and development of the crop plants are directly related to their genetic constitution, though environmental factors and cultural practices do influence it through their direct and indirect impact on different metabolic process of the plants. Thus, agricultural production being consequence of an integrated interaction effect of soil-waterfertilizer-climate continuum, which requires a wiseful and scientific management of this complex system, this is quite crucial for enhancing crop productivity on sustainable basis. Among the various inputs, mineral nutrition of plants is the key input to making maximum contribution of crop productivity because nearly 55% of increase in food grain production during last two decades has come through increasing levels of fertilizer application. However, total annual removal of nutrient by crop and cropping system being much higher than amount added through fertilizers has resulted in negative nutrient balance in the soil. Therefore, prompt effort is must, not only to increase and stabilize crop production but also to enhance the nutrient use efficiency, which shows great influence on crop production. The productivity of baby corn entirely depends on extent of successful completion of crop growth for exploiting their full genetic potential and properly integrated with environmental conditions in which it is grown. However, role of balanced and adequate nutrition is recognized as one of the important factors in realizing the maximum yield of baby corn. Role of nutrients for effective progression of plant ontogeny and crop yield as well as in quality improvement of crop has been well recognized. Besides, the major primary nutrients i.e. N, P and K, secondary nutrients like sulphur and micronutrients i.e. zinc has been recognized as essential inputs for sustained the baby corn productivity and enhancement in its quality. Nitrogen (N) is a vital plant nutrient and a major determining factor required for maize production (Shanti et al., 1997).Nitrogen is a component of protein and nucleic acids and when N is suboptimal, growth is reduced. Its availability in sufficient quantity throughout the growing season is essential for optimum maize growth (Haque et al., 2001).Nitrogen as a major constituent of cell plays a vital role in cell division and elongation by virtue of being an essential part of diverse type of metabolically active compound like amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, prophyrins, flavins, purines and pyramidine nucleotides, enzymes, co-enzymes and alkaloids. Therefore, it is a vitally associated with the activity of every living cell. Thus, greater availability of nitrogen at higher fertilizer doses might have improved protein synthesis 1393 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 and photosynthesis leading thereby to rapid cell division and enlargement, which ultimately resulted in to vigorous plant growth. Phosphorus is the second essential nutrient required to higher yield of maize. Consequently, lack of phosphorus is as important as the lack of nitrogen limiting maize performance (Gul et al., 2015).Phosphorus, as a constituent of ADP and ATP, plays a key role in energy transformation. It also helps in assimilation of photosynthates into other metabolites and hence acts as an activity zone for CO2 assimilation. It is important for seed and fruit formation and crop maturation. Phosphorus hastens ripening of fruits thus counteracting the effect of excess nitrogen application to the soil. Moreover, as an integral part of chromosomes, it stimulates cell division and is necessary for meristematic growth. Thus, adequate supply of phosphorus helps in rapid growth of plant. Likewise, potassium is an essential nutrient and is also the most abundant cation in plants. It plays essential roles in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, osmoregulation, stomatal movement, energy transfer, phloem transport, cation-anion balance, and stress resistance (Gul et al., 2015). As such adequate and balanced supply of N, P and K at 125% RDF to baby corn crop might have favoured greater availability of these nutrients that ultimately resulted in to enhanced growth of the plants (Kumar 2013; Kumar and Bohra 2014; Kumar et al., 2015a,b,c). Effect of nitrogen Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients in maize grown for baby corn production. Being structural components of amino acids, protein molecules, enzymes, alkaloids, nucleotides, chlorophyll and other constituents, it plays a vital role in growth and development of plants. The response of nitrogen to baby corn has been presented in this section. Growth characters Thakur et al., (1997) carried out a field study during rainy season on sandy loam soil at Bajaura (Himanchal Pradesh) to assess the effect of nitrogen levels on baby corn var. “Early composite” and noticed that application of 150-200 kg N ha-1 registered significantly higher plant height, functional leaves and dry matter accumulation plant-1 over nitrogen application rates below 100 kg N ha-1. Majumdar et al., (2002) noticed that application 100 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest growth attributes in maize. While working on fodder maize at Faisalabad (Pakistan), Ayub et al., (2003) noticed that application of 120 kg N ha-1 registered the tallest plant, leaves plant-1 and stem diameter of maize over the control and 80 kg N ha-1. In Turkey working on maize, Adiloglu and Saglam (2005) determined effect of nitrogen levels on maize and noticed significantly higher dry matter content with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 100 kg N ha-1. Keskin et al., (2005) working on forage maize noticed marked increase in plant height with increasing rates of nitrogen application up to 200 kg ha-1. Application of 150 kg N ha-1 significantly increased plant height, number of green leaf, leaf area index and dry matter plant-1 but it remained at par with 100 kg N ha-1 (Maurya et al., 2005). Harikrishna et al., (2005) at Dharwad noticed that application of 200% RDN recorded significantly taller plant leaf area index and dry matter yield over 100% RDN (150 kg N ha-1) but remained on par with 150% RDN. A field experiment at Bhubaneswar was conducted to assess the effect of nitrogen levels on growth of baby corn var. Navjot and noted significantly taller plant, dry matter and leaf area index with 120 kg N ha-1 over 40 and 80 kg N ha-1 (Bindhani et al., 2005). However, Adiloglu and Saglam (2005) noticed that dry matter production of 1394 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 maize increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 100 kg N ha-1. At Pune, Choudhary et al., (2006) reported that application of 120 kg N ha-1 to maize cv. DCH-103 significantly increased leaf area and dry matter production over 40 and 80 kg N ha1 . Hani et al., (2006) working on forage maize in Sudan noticed that plant height, stem diameter and dry matter yield were improved significantly with application of 80 kg N ha-1 over control but it remained at par with 40 kg N ha-1. They also observed that application of 80 kg N ha-1 gave higher LAI over control and 40 kg N ha-1. At Peshawar (Pakistan), Bakht et al., (2006) studied response of maize to levels of nitrogen and revealed that significantly taller plants, leaves plant-1 and more days to 50% tasseling and silking were noticed with application of 200 kg N ha-1 over 160, 120, 80 kg N ha-1 and control. Panwar and Munda (2006) conducted a field experiment at Umiam (Meghalaya) during rainy season of 2001 and 2002 to study the response of baby corn cv. Vijay composite to nitrogen doses and found that application of 120 kg N ha-1 reduced the days to baby corn initiation but prolonged harvesting period over 80 kg N ha1 . In China, Xie et al., (2006) working at Habei Province conducting experiment on summer maize with three nitrogen levels (0, 90 and 180 kg N ha-1) summarized that leaf area index and chlorophyll content increased with increasing rates of nitrogen application up to 180 kg N ha-1. Similarly, enhancement in plant height, LAI and dry matter production in maize were recorded with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 180 kg N ha-1 (Ram et al., 2006). In another study at Peshawar (Pakistan), Jan et al., (2007) noticed that hybrid maize responded positively to nitrogen application for plant height with increasing levels from 180-300 kg N ha-1. In Egypt, Siam et al., (2008) studied the effect N fertilization on maize and reported that nitrogen applied at 140 kg N ha-1 significantly increased plant height and dry weight of leaves over 80 kg N ha-1. Kunjir et al., (2009) tested the performance of sweet corn cv. Sumadhur under the influence of different nitrogen levels (0, 75,150 and 225 kg N ha-1) and noticed that plant height, number of leaf and dry matter increased significantly with increase in nitrogen levels up to 150 kg N ha-1 but beyond this differences remained statistically on par. At New Delhi, Kumar (2009) studying the response of popcorn to different levels of nitrogen application (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) reported that taller plants and higher dry weight plant-1 were obtained with each successive increase in nitrogen levels from 0120 kg N ha-1. Whereas in Iran, Sharifi and Taghizadeh (2009) conducting a field experiment on maize noticed that the significantly taller plant with increasing rates of nitrogen application up to 200 kg N ha-1. In Nigeria, Effa et al.,(2011) evaluated the response of popcorn var. Ashland to graded levels of nitrogen (0,40,80 and 120 kg N ha-1) and noticed that plant height, LAI and total dry matter increased with each increment of nitrogen level up to 120 kg ha-1. However, increasing nitrogen levels from 0-120 kg N ha-1 decreased number of days to 50% tasseling. Mehta et al., (2011) at Ludhiana revealed application of nitrogen up to 275 kg N ha-1significantly increased plant height, leaf area, dry matter, crop growth rate and relative growth rate over control, 175, 200 and 225 kg N ha-1 but remained at par with 250 kg N ha-1. Mahdi et al., (2012) at Shalimar (JK) studied the effect of different nitrogen levels viz. 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1 on growth components of fodder maize cv. J-1006 reported that plant height and leaf area index significantly increased up to 120 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Jeet et al., (2012) at Varanasi recorded significantly taller plant; wider stem girth, higher number of green leaf, dry weight , crop 1395 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 growth rate and leaf area index with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 150 kg N ha-1. While, Singh et al., (2012) working on sweet corn cv. Madhuri at Wadura (JK) noticed that each successive increase in nitrogen levels from 0-120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased plant height and dry matter but the differences between 120 and 150 kg N ha-1 remained on par. Studying the response of maize cv. Ganga Safed to different levels of nitrogen (0, 50,100 and 150 kg N ha-1) at Hamirpur (U.P), Verma et al., (2012) reported that plant height, total dry matter, leaf area index, number of days to silking and maturity were enhanced significantly with increasing nitrogen levels up to 150 kg N ha-1. Neupane et al., (2011a,b,c) observed that application of 75% N through urea+ 25% N through FYM were found the best source of nitrogen and emerged as superior in relation to yield attributes viz. cobs plant-1; cob length and cob girth and finally resulted in higher yield of corn for commercial cultivation of baby corn for prekharif season. Similarly, working on maize Raskar et al., (2012) reported that increasing level of nitrogen significantly increased the plant height up to 160 kg ha-1 but it was at par with 120 kg ha-1. Jena et al., (2015) working at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, observed that application of 240 kg N ha-1 gave taller plants and LAI of quality protein maize over the 0, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1. Yield attributes and yields Working at Faisalabad (Pakistan), Sarwar (1993) studied effect of nitrogen application on maize and noticed significantly higher grain yield with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1. Sharma and Thakur (1995) conducted a field experiment during rainy season on sandy loam soil at Bajaura (Himanchal Pradesh) to evaluate the response of baby corn cv. Early composite to nitrogen application and noticed that baby corn yield increased significantly with increasing rates of nitrogen application up to 90 kg ha-1. However, according to Thakur et al., (1997), yield of baby corn increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 150 kg N ha-1 but baby cob weight with husk and green fodder yield showed significant increase up to 200 kg N ha-1. Whereas, significantly lower barrenness (%) was noticed with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1 as compared to 150 kg N ha-1 and lower doses and it was noted significantly higher under control. At Bajaura, working on baby corn, Thakur and Sharma (1999) noticed that increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 150 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher yield components i.e. cobs plant-1 and cob length but remained at par with 200 kg N ha-1. However, baby corn: husk ratio and barrenness (%) decreased with application of increasing rate of N from 100-200 kg N ha-1. Further, they noted that baby corn yield increased progressively with application of increasing rates of N from 100-200 kg N ha-1. At Coimbatore, while evaluating the effect of different levels of nitrogen on yield of baby corn, Rajendran and Singh (1999) reported that increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 180 kg N ha-1 produced significantly higher cob and corn yield but it did not differ significantly with 150 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Sahoo and Panda (1999) working at Joshipur (Odissa) noticed that corn yield increased significantly with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 160 kg N ha-1. Pandey et al., (2000) working on baby corn hybrid “VL Makka-42” at Almora, noticed that application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 gave significantly higher number of baby cob plant-1 and baby corn yield (21.9 and 7.9%) over 60 and 90 kg N ha-1, respectively. At Umiam (Meghalaya), Majumdar et al., (2002) reported that maize yield increased 1396 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 100 kg N ha-1. Luikham et al., (2003) noticed that increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 135 kg N ha-1 significantly increased cob and stover yield of baby corn. Similarly, Ayub et al., (2003) reported that application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 recorded significant improvement in green fodder yield of maize. In Bangladesh, Alam and Islam (2003) while assessing effect of different levels of nitrogen on maize cv. Barnali reported significant increase 1000grain weight as well as grain and stover yield with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1. At New Delhi, studying the response of maize to different levels of nitrogen, Banarjee et al., (2004) reported that application of increasing levels of nitrogen significantly increased grain yield up to 150 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Maurya et al., (2005) noticed that application of 150 kg N ha-1 significantly increased number of cobs plant-1, length of cobs, number of grains cob-1 and 1000-grain weight in maize but it remained at par with 100 kg N ha-1. In Turkey, Oktem and Oktem (2005) evaluated the response of maize to various doses of nitrogen (150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 kg N ha-1) and reported that increasing levels of nitrogen up to 350 kg N ha-1 significantly increased yield components i.e. ear length, ear diameter and single fresh ear weight. At Coimbatore working on baby corn, Muthukumar et al., (2005) reported that the significantly higher cob yield with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Bindhani et al., (2005) noticed significant increase in marketable fresh cob weight, length as well as girth of baby cob with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1. They also noted that 120 kg N ha-1 resulted in highest baby corn yield, which was 28.6, 52.2 and 178% higher than 80, 40 and 0 kg N ha-1, respectively. The green fodder yield followed similar trend. Working at Palampur, Choudhary et al., (2006), reported that increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased grain and fodder yield of maize. In China, Xie et al., (2006) working on maize, reported that 100-seed weight and grain yield were increased significantly with increasing rates of nitrogen application up to 180 kg N ha-1. According to Bakht et al., (2006) significantly higher cobs plant-1, grains cob-1, grain and biological yield of maize were recorded with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 200 kg N ha-1. Similarly, significant enhancement in cob length and girth, grain weight cob-1, grain and stover yield of maize was noted with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 180 kg N ha-1 (Ram et al., 2006). A field experiment was conducted at Umiam to study the effect of different nitrogen doses on baby corn cv. Vijay composite by Panwar and Munda (2006) and they observed that increasing levels of nitrogen up to 80 kg N ha1 produced significantly higher baby corn as well as fodder yield. Significantly higher grain yield of maize was recorded with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1 (Meena et al., 2007a). Jan et al., (2007) reported significant increase in grain and stalk yield of maize to the nitrogen application as high as 300 kg N ha-1. At Junagadh during winter season of 2005-06 on sandy loam soil, Meena et al., (2007b) studied the response of maize to levels of N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) and reported that cob length and cob diameter as well as grain and straw yield increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1. Similar responses of maize to the application of 100 to 140 kg N ha-1 were reported by Bindhani et al., (2007), Sujatha et al., (2008) and Siam et al., (2008).According to Kumar (2009) cob length, cob girth and 1397 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 grains ear-1 were recorded significantly higher with nitrogen application up to 80 kg N ha-1 but cob girth continued to improve further with nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1. Each successive increase in nitrogen level from 0-120 kg N ha-1 significantly enhanced grain and stover yield of maize to the tune of 38.2, 64.9 and 82.2 and 34.7, 54.7 and 66.6% with application of 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1, respectively over control. Working on popcorn Kunjir et al., (2009) noticed that length and girth of cob, green cob and green biomass yield increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 225 kg N ha-1. Working at Allahabad on baby corn, Rao et al., (2009) reported significant increase in baby cobs plant-1, baby cob weight, baby cob yield and green fodder yield with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1. At Bahraich (UP), Mishra et al., (2009) evaluated the effect of nitrogen levels on maize cv. Deccan-103 and noticed that increasing rates of nitrogen from 100-200 kg N ha-1 significantly increased rows cob-1, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. In Iran, Sharifi and Taghizadeh (2009) studied the effect of nitrogen levels on maize, noticed that maximum kernel ear-1, grains ear-1 row and grain yield were noted with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1.In Turkey working on forage maize, Carpici et al., (2010) reported that dry fodder yield increased significantly with increasing rates of nitrogen up to 400 kg N ha-1 but it remained statistically at par with 300 kg N ha1. While evaluating the impact of nitrogen levels on maize at Peshawar (Pakistan), Arif et al., (2010a) noticed grains ear-1, 1000-grain weight, grain and biological yield improved constantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application from 0-160 kg ha-1. Similarly, application of increasing nitrogen levels significantly improved grain and biological yield up to 120 kg N ha-1 in maize cv. Azam (Arif et al., 2010b). In a two years study on hybrid maize at Ludhiana, Mehta et al., (2011) reported that cob length, cob girth and grain yield were increased significantly with increasing levels of N up to 275 kg N over 200 kg N ha-1 but remained comparable with 250 kg N ha-1. At Jashipur (Odissa), Sahoo (2011) studying the effect of nitrogen application on baby corn noticed that baby corn yield increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 but fodder yield increased progressively up to 180 kg N ha-1, which remained at par with 120 kg N ha-1. At Faisalabad (Pakistan) working on maize, Khan et al., (2011) reported that significantly higher grains cob-1, 1000-grain weight and grain yield with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 300 kg N ha-1. According to Effa et al., (2011) maize var. Ashland recorded significantly higher grain yield with increasing N rates up to 120 kg N ha-1.They noticed that respective doses of nitrogen (40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) gave yield increases of 12.6, 21.5 and 50.4% over control. Evaluating the impact of nitrogen levels on hybrid maize cv. Pionner-31 R 88, Wasaya et al., (2011) at Faisalabad (Pakistan) stated that grain weight cob-1 and grain yield were increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1. However, the yield increase due to application of 200 kg N ha-1 was 17% and 18.5% higher than 100 and 150 kg N ha-1, respectively. At Shalimar (JK), assessing the effect of nitrogen levels on fodder maize cv.J-1006, Mahdi et al., (2012) reported that green fodder yield increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1. Similarly, at Varanasi, Jeet et al., (2012), Jeet el al., (2017) noticed that the significantly higher cobs plant-1, cob length, cob diameter, cob weight, and grain yield of QPM with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1. According to Singh et al., (2012) yield attributes i.e. number of cobs, green cob 1398 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 weight, kernel cob-1,1000-kernal weight, kernel recovery and barrenness (%) in sweet corn were significantly influenced with application of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1 but remained statistically on par with 120 kg N ha-1.They also noticed that successive levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1 markedly increased green cob and fresh corn yield, which remained at par with 150 kg N ha-1. However, application 120 kg N ha-1 enhanced the green cob yield by 7.7, 19.9, 33.9 and 128% over 90, 60, 30 kg N ha-1 and control. In case of green fodder yield, application of 120 kg N ha-1 being at par with 150 kg N ha-1 markedly enhanced green fodder yield to the tune of 127.5, 51.5, 24.1 and 6.3% over control, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha1 , respectively. Working on maize at Hamirpur (UP) Verma et al., (2012) noticed that cob diameter, weight of cobs plant-1and grain yield increased significantly with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 150 N ha-1. The highest level of nitrogen application i.e. 150 kg N ha-1 recorded 2.3 and 7.4% higher grain yield as compared to 100 and 50 N ha-1, respectively. At Vadodara (Gujarat) Raskar et al., (2012) found that application of 120 and 160 kg N ha-1 were at par and produced significantly higher no. of cobs plant-1, cob length, no. of grains row cob-1, test weight, shelling percentage, grain and stover yield of maize as compared to 80 kg N ha-1. According to Jena et al., (2015) grain yield, stover yield and total dry matter production of QPM increase up to increasing level i.e. 240 kg ha-1. Singh et al., (2016a) studies the response of baby corn to integrated nutrient management results revealed that maximum baby corn length, baby corn girth, green cob weight, baby cob weight, number of cobs, baby corn yield and green fodder yield were recorded with application of 5t FYM + 100 kg N ha-1 followed by 100% recommended dose of nitrogen. Nutrient contents and their uptake Sridhar (1988) noticed that uptake of N, P and K in maize significantly increased with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 180 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Thakur et al., (1998) reported that N uptake by green fodder increased significantly up to 150 kg N ha-1, whereas N uptake by baby corn was noted maximum at 200 kg N ha-1. Working on maize at Umiam (Meghalaya), Majumdar et al., (2002) reported that increasing levels of nitrogen significantly increased N uptake of maize up to 100 kg N ha-1.Nitrogen content in maize grain increased significantly with increasing doses of Nup to 100 kg N ha-1 (Adiloglu and Saglam, 2005). Application of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1 significantly enhanced N content and uptake by grain and stover of maize (Maurya et al., 2005). Similarly, nitrogen content in baby corn and green fodder increased significantly with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 (Bindhani et al., 2005). Application of increasing levels of nitrogen from 0 to 120 kg ha-1 significantly increased N uptake in baby corn (Panwar and Munda, 2006). Each subsequent increase in nitrogen level up to 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased N content and uptake in baby corn (Bindhani et al., 2007). Similarly, Kumar (2009) noticed each successive increase in nitrogen level from 0 to 120 kg ha-1 significantly improved N content in grain yield of pop corn. Mahdi et al., (2012) reported significantly higher N and Zn content as well as uptake in fodder maize with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1. Jeet et al., (2012) noticed significantly higher N, P, K, and S content in grains and stover of maize with application of 150 kg N ha-1 over 50 kg N ha-1 but remained at par with 100 kg N ha-1. However, total uptake of N, P, K and S significantly increased with increasing levels of N application up to 150 kg Nha-1. 1399 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 Quality Leary and Rehm (1990) reported that crude protein content in corn silage significantly increased with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 225 kg N ha-1. Similarly, protein content in maize grain increased significantly with each successive increase in nitrogen levels up to 200 kg N ha-1 (Sarwar 1993). Application of 180 kg N ha-1 significantly increased crude protein content in baby corn over 120 kg ha-1 but it remained par with 150 kg N ha-1 (Rajendran and Singh 1999).Majumdar et al., (2002) reported that increasing levels of nitrogen up to 100 kg N ha-1 significantly increased crude protein content in maize. Similarly, significant improvement in crude protein and fibre content were noted with 120 kg N ha-1 (Ayub et al., 2003).Maurya et al., (2004) noted that increasing nitrogen levels from 0-150 kg N ha-1 significantly increased protein content in maize grain. Significantly higher crude protein content and protein yield in maize were recorded with application of increasing rates of N up to 200 kg N ha-1 (Keskin et al., 2005). Rasheed et al., (2004) noticed significantly higher protein content in maize grain (9.9%) with application of 150 kg N+20 kg S ha1 .Application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1 significantly increased total sugar, starch, protein and crude protein content in baby corn (Muthukumar et al., 2005).Bindhani et al., (2005) also reported that protein content and protein yield of baby corn were increased significantly with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1. Similarly, increasing nitrogen levels up to 80 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher grain protein content in maize (Hani et al., 2006). Ram et al., (2006) reported significant improvement in carbohydrate, starch and protein yield with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 180 kg N ha-1. Similarly, application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased protein content and its yield over 80 kg N ha-1 (Meena et al., 2007). Bindhani et al., (2007) noticed that application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased protein content and protein yield of baby corn. Working on popcorn, Kumar (2009) noticed that increasing levels of nitrogen application significantly improved grain protein content up to 80 kg N ha-1. Mishra et al., (2009) reported that application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1 significantly increased protein content in maize grain. Carpici et al., (2010) observed significantly higher crude protein content with application of 400 kg N ha-1 over 200 kg N ha-1 but it remained at par with 300 kg ha1 .Verma (2011) noticed that protein content in maize grain significantly increased with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 150 kg N ha-1. However, Khan et al., (2011) reported protein content in maize grain was enhanced with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 300 kg N ha-1. Whereas, Mahdi et al., (2012) noticed that application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased crude protein, protein yield and crude fibre content over 90 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Jeet et al., (2012) also reported that protein content in grain of maize increased significantly with increasing doses of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1. Neupane et al., (2011b) found significantly higher protein, carbohydrate and sugar content in baby corn with the application of 75%N through urea + 25% N through FYM. Neupane et al.,(2012b) observed significantly higher chlorophyll contents in leaves, protein, carbohydrate and sugar content in baby corn cobs in nitrogen source of 75% N through urea + 25% N through FYM followed by 100% N through urea in baby corn (Zea maysL.) as influenced by N sources. Singh et al., (2016a) carried out an field experiment at Amritsar to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of baby corn results showed that application of 5t FYM+ 100% recommended dose of in 1400 Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2017) 6(3): 1392-1428 organic nitrogen improved the total soluble sugar and protein content which was at par with 100% recommended dose of in organic nitrogen and significantly higher over rest of the treatments. Sarwar (1993) reported significantly higher net return with increase in nitrogen levels up to 200 kg N ha-1. Thakur et al., (1997) also noticed significantly higher net return with application of 200 kg N ha-1, which was 5.2, 23.8, 57.6 and 117.7% higher over 150, 100, 50 kg N ha-1 and control but maximum net return rupess-1 invested was noted with 150 kg N ha-1. Working on baby corn Pandey et al., (2000) noticed significantly higher net return and B: C ratio with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1. Net return and B: C ratio in baby corn was also noted significantly higher with application of 120 kg N ha-1. The increases were 289.2, 69.8 and 39.1% in net return and 235.2, 57.7 and 34.1% in B: C ratio as compared to 0, 40 and 80 kg N ha-1, respectively (Bindhani et al., 2005). Application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 150 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher net profit and B: C ratio in maize (Maurya et al., 2005).Panwar and Munda (2006) reported that application of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher net return of baby corn, which was 6, 25 and 63.2% higher with 80, 40 and 0 kg N ha-1, respectively. In another study it was found that addition of 180 kg N ha-1 gave significantly higher gross, net return and B: C ratio over 120 kg N ha-1 and lower doses (Ram et al., 2006). Similarly, Bindhani et al., (2007) and Meena et al., (2007) reported significantly higher net return and B: C ratio with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg ha1 .According to Kumar (2009) significant enhancement in net return of maize to the tune of 69.1, 118.9 and 146.1 and 49.1, 84.6 and 109.5% with 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1 over control were recorded during 2005 and 2006, respectively. Mahdi et al., (2012) noticed that application of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 recorded significant improvement in net return and B: C ratio in fodder maize over 90 kg N ha-1. Singh et al., (2012) reported that application of 120 kg N ha-1 improved net return and net return rupees-1 invested in sweet corn over control but remained comparable with 150 kg N ha-1. Jeet et al., (2014) reported highest net return and B: C ratio was recorded under 150 kg N/ha in QPM hybrids under different nitrogen and sulphur levels. Application of increasing nitrogen levels up to 140 kg N ha-1 significantly increased N, P and K content in soil (Siam et al., 2008). Similarly, Sujatha et al., (2008) reported significantly higher available N, P and K contents in soil with increasing levels of nitrogen up to 100% RDN. Total availability and removal of N were noted maximum with application of increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 (Kumar 2009). Similarly, available N, P, K and S status in soil were significantly improved with increasing nitrogen levels up to 150 kg Nha-1 (Jeet et al., 2012). Effect of phosphorus Phosphorus being the constituents of sugar, phosphatases, ADP and ATP plays an important role in energy transformations and it is also involved in the basic reactions of photosynthesis. Review regarding this nutrient has been cited in this section. Growth characters Rasheed et al., (2004) noticed significantly taller plants, higher flag leaf area and days to silking with application of 60 kg Pha-1 over control. Khan et al., (2005) at Multan (Pakistan) studied the effect of different levels of phosphorus on maize cv. M-6240 and 1401