Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in the Bundelkhand region is often constrained by poor soil fertility and imbalanced nutrient use. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield, and economics of maize cultivation. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh), using a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments included combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), biofertilizer (Rhizobium), and organic input (Jeevamrit). The results revealed that INM treatments significantly improved growth and yield attributes of maize. The treatment T₉ (100% RDF + Rhizobium + Jeevamrit) recorded the highest plant height (240.60 cm), number of leaves (15.6 plant⁻¹), fresh weight (420.60 g), and dry weight (68.90 g). Yield parameters such as number of cobs per plant (1.75), seeds per cob (360.80), and 100-seed weight (31.20 g) were also maximized under T₉. Consequently, the highest seed yield (6890 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (15060 kg ha⁻¹) were obtained. Economic analysis showed maximum net returns (₹77,950 ha⁻¹) under T₉, while the highest benefit–cost ratio (2.61) was recorded with T₈ (Rhizobium + Jeevamrit). The study concludes that integrated application of chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers and organic inputs enhances maize productivity and profitability, making INM a sustainable nutrient management strategy for the Bundelkhand region.
