EFFECT OF VARIOUS FARM MANURE LEVELS ON ROOT PROLIFERATION AND MAIZE GROWTH UNDER DIFFERENT SOIL TEXTURES

Abstract

The physical indices of the soil are major contributor in growth and yield of the crops. Soil texture is a stable soil physical characteristic that has an indirect impact on the crop growth. Present study aims to evaluate the impact of different textures along with organic amendments on root extension of maize that ultimately affect maize growth. Pot study comprises two soils from Faisalabad and Gujranwala origin that are sandy loam and clay loam, respectively, along with application of farm manure at 0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha^-1. Recommended dose of NPK at 120: 60: 40 was applied in each treatment pot. A significant difference for plant growth parameters shoot (length, fresh weight and dry weight), root (length, fresh weight and dry weight) and 1000 grain weight was observed for application of organic amendment at different rates under different textures. It was observed that as the organic matter increased there was increase in every plant parameter but upto 10 Mg ha^-1 and then a significant decrease was observed. It was also observed that crop performed better under sandy loam texture as compared to clay loam.