Impact of Crop Establishment Methods on the Growth and Yield Performance of Maize Varieties in the Kharif Season

A field trial was carried out in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, during the Kharif season to evaluate the performance of maize varieties using various planting methods. The study included five distinct planting techniques: Flat, Bed, Ridgetop, Ridge mid-slope and Broad Ridge mid-slope both sides. Two maize varieties were tested: the composite PSM-1 and the hybrid DKC 9144. Results showed that the Broad Ridge mid-slope on both sides method led to the highest growth parameters, including; plant height, stem girth and dry matter accumulation per plant. During both the years, the Broad Ridge mid-slope planting method led to notable increase in plant height (7% and 6.1%), stem girth (5.25 & 4.67 cm) and dry matter accumulation (13.6% & 20.7%) respectively when compared to the flat planting method. Among the varieties, the hybrid DKC 9144 exhibited greater height, stem girth, more dry matter accumulation, grain and stover yields compared to the composite PSM-1. The findings suggest that the broad ridge mid-slope planting method, and hybrid variety DKC 9144, was the most effective and viable strategy for Kharif maize production in tarai region.